Findley Lake’s Christine Gleason describes how the multi-year swap will take place.
FINDLEY LAKE – Diamonds may be forever, but perennials that are split can last almost as long.
Nearly a dozen people participated in a multi-year swap sponsored by Community Connections at Findley Lake on May 27. Participants were encouraged to “Share your perennials and share them with others.”
The event was organized by Judy Miller and Kristine Gleason of Community Connections and was held in the Picnic Pavilion at the Findley Lake Community Center.
“I’ve been working with perennial gardeners for years” said Müller. “They asked me to plan an event and I love gardening so that was perfect.”
Gleason, who has grown perennials for 30 years, says she takes pleasure in the plants she grows.
Barb Cooper tells a story about her experience in growing crops.
“They come back every year and all I have to do is weed.” She said. “Also, sharing is a big part of growing perennials.”
Starting with the participant whose birthday was closest to May 27th, each person came out in turn to choose a perennial from the table. The person who brought the selected plant would then explain what it is, how to plant it, and what special properties it has.
Janni Cooper, who has been a perennial gardener all her life, brought some of her special plants and announced that her perennial days are coming to an end.
“I’m withdrawing from it. I’ve done it all my life. “ said Cooper.
Cooper, who maintained a sprawling water garden for years, announced to the group that she and her husband are now replenishing it. While she still plans to keep a few easy-care plants, it has become too much work in her opinion.
Joanne Travis chooses a plant in the Findley Lake Perennial Swap.
“There is no easy-care garden” She said. “I’ve enjoyed it all my life, but now it’s time to quit.”
The participants in the event shared more than their plants. Many stories were also passed back and forth. Barb Cooper, who lives next to Janni, said when they first built their house, “I didn’t have time to garden, so I planted silk flowers.” she said laughing, “People said how wonderful my flowers looked and I would hope they didn’t get too close to them.”
Some of the plants exchanged were traditional, familiar perennials such as hosta and yellow daylilies. However, there were also lesser-known plants such as lamium, heuchera (also known as coral bells), Arkansas blue star, and an exotic lily.
For those struggling to identify their plants, Miller and Gleeson told attendees that they can download an app called PlantNet that allows you to identify plants simply by taking pictures of them with your smartphone.
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