Despite the recent unpredictable weather, many green-thumbers are busy planning and planting their gardens.
The recent, Spring Perennial Plant Swap at Deep River County Park was a first start for many of them.
“I’m looking for things to add to my garden, it’s fun to try different varieties,” said Jerri Dew of Valparaiso as she brought lilies and onions to swap. “This is a great opportunity for gardeners.”
Since spring is the best time to change or increase items in a garden, a simple and free way to do this was to attend the Plant Swap.
Garnering extra greenery from their own planting efforts, potting them and bringing to the Plant Swap was the mission for visitors.
In turn, they were able to choose some plants they may not have in their gardens. Or add to what they already have.
“I came here looking for yarrow and pink confetti flowers,” said Dawn Miller of Gary. In exchange, she brought in maiden grasses and various flowers to share. “I was very surprised I found both.”
As a board member of the Miller Garden Club, she added that she’s always on the lookout for new greenery.
“We plant many flowers in and around the downtown Miller area,” she added. “That project takes quite a bit, so we gather as much as we can before planting season.”
Winfield gardener Terry Willie found two large pots of butter yellow daylilies to take home. “I’ve had my large garden for about 30 years, but I’m always on the lookout to add something new,” he said. “This is great. The people here love their plants and want to share.”
Indeed, on the long picnic tables there were dozens of selections, including lemon plants, oregano, chives, and some flower seeds, among many others.
Each year, the grounds keeping department of Hyles-Anderson College in Schererville delivers tons of seasoned, fortified manure, gratis to the swappers.
This year, college employee Darin Scudder did the honors, continually filling the buckets brought in by the gardeners.
Rose Braun of Hobart has attended the decades-old Plant Swap for 10 years.
“I always find so many unique things here,” she said, as she chose a plant that would produce sun drop yellow flowers, and a dark brown ball containing seeds for purple cone flowers. “Everyone’s so friendly and helpful.”
Sherry Schelburgen of Highland wasn’t able to make this year’s Plant Swap, but has attended in past years.
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“I always came early, everything goes so fast. And I remembered to bring things to share, as well as empty containers for swap items to take home,” she said. “I’m fairly new with this planting thing, so I also appreciate the advice from the experienced gardeners. They were so patient with all my questions.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.