Steve and Irene Sowula, of Lake Station, are avid gardeners who enjoy a greenhouse in their backyard. Always on the lookout to expand their hobby, they regularly visits area plant sales and plant swaps. This year’s Fall Plant Swap, sponsored by Lake County Parks at Deep River Park, was no exception.
“I always have excess in my garden each year,” Irene said. “I usually have quite a bit to bring to this event.”
More than a dozen gardeners looked over tables that containedplants, trees and ground covers.
“The variety at this plant swap is always interesting,” said Rose Braun, of Hobart. “No one else offers something like this.”
Marilyn Sulewski, of Hebron, has been attending the semiannual swap for six years.
“I used to belong to garden clubs in the past and have started up again,” she said. “This (event) is a great way to do that.”
In addition to sharing and swapping new greenery, visitors also shared tips with each other.
“Transplanting takes patience,” said Maria Azcona, of Hobart. “Doing research pays off.”
Each year, Hyles-Anderson groundskeeper Brian Scudder comes to the swap with a huge truck filled compost. Each visitor goes home with a bag of the garden necessity, compliments of his employer.
The Lake County Parks Department began the plant swaps 25 years ago. Two are planned each year, in the spring and the fall. They continue in popularity, with newbie gardeners as well as experienced ones in attendance.
“I can’t always make the plant swaps, or plant sales in the area, but do so whenever I can,” said Joann Lentsky, of Merrillville. “I’m new to gardening and I like to change things up in my yard. Sometimes there are plants I’ve never seen before at the swaps, and I get a lot of helpful hints from the others. It’s really fun to see and learn about different ways to develop a beautiful garden area.”
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Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.