by Garrett Fodor
On Saturday, residents and those interested in gardening visited the annual plant sale at the historic Essex Railway Station in hopes of finding a good deal on interesting plants for their homes and gardens.
Members of the Essex & District Horticultural Society host this community connection event annually. Essex & District Horticultural Society President Joe Dicker said the funds raised from the event will help the non-profit club pay for its expenses.
According to Dicker, the plant sale has been going on for at least 25 years and is a part of the group’s history, which started in 1974.
Saturday’s sale had something for everyone. While the plants sprawled across the outdoor event grounds, a bake sale and vendor area, where various crafts could be purchased, were organized inside the Railway Station.
Dicker said the plants offered for sale were all donations from either members of the society, or their friends and family members.
Dicker was pleased with the great turnout at the event. He said many people showed up and were ready to buy plants at the 9 a.m. start time.
The nicer weather on Saturday was a nice addition to the event as last year’s plant sale was held in the rain. Being able to enjoy the sunshine during the fundraiser certainly helped attract great support to the plant sale.
Members of the Essex & District Horticultural Society meet at the Essex Retirees’ Social Club monthly, from January to June and September through November. Members also look after the gardens at the Essex Retirees’ Social Club.
This year, the Society has added costs as District 11 (which includes Amherstburg, Belle River, Blenheim, Chatham, Essex, Windsor, Kingsville, LaSalle, Leamington, Ridgetown, Sarnia, Thamesville, Tilbury, Watford, and Wheatley) will host the 113th Convention at the St. Clair Centre for the Arts. The event will take place from July 19 to 21 and will have representatives of horticultural societies from all over Ontario in attendance. There will be presentations and booths set up along with other educational information and activities for everyone.
The May plant sale is one of two fundraisers the Essex & District Horticultural Society hosts annually. Another plant sale is hosted during the Essex Fun Fest.
Dicker said the Society currently has approximately 74 members and is always looking for new members and people with a similar interest.