A low-maintenance garden generally takes an abundance of planning, and what better way to cut down on the backbreaking work than planting perennials.
But while most stores are stocking Halloween items, the St. Albert and District Garden Club is hosting its Annual Fall Perennial Auction on Tuesday, Sept. 14 at Sir George Simpson School at 7 p.m.
Every year at this time, the club auctions off donated perennials, houseplants and garden accessories. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go to purchasing new tables for the annual Summer Splendour garden show.
“We need 38 tables. The old ones are about 25 years old and they are showing wear,” says Dianne Taylor. She adds that the club will need $1,500 to purchase the tables.
Some of the donated perennials include hostas, astilbe, salvia, fall aster, columbine, Canterbury bells, black-eyed Susan, bleeding hearts and tulip bulbs to name a few.
But with the gloomy weather, will the plants thrive?
“It’s a great month for planting and transplanting perennials. It gives them time to establish roots. It gives the early bloomers a head start. And at this time of year with shorter days and cooler nights, plants need less water,” Taylor says.
Club organizers are also open to recycling and reselling any garden accessories. They encourage any member of the public wishing to donate any unused garden ornaments, statuary, vases, books, magazines and tools to come by the school on Tuesday by 6:30 p.m.
“In past years we’ve had people donate a Norfolk pine, a stepladder, an entire collection of orchids. We will take whatever is no longer needed.”
Bids for plants usually start anywhere from $2 to $5 per plant. Doors open at 6 p.m. “This gives people time to look around.”
Sir George Simpson is located at 50 Grosvenor Blvd. For more information visit: www.stalbertgardenclub.info.
