Plant Sale PLUS in Long Grove

Mark your calendar for May 20 and 21.

It's not too early to start thinking of spring gardening. May brings with it a plethora of plant sales, but one in Long Grove stands out. This year shoppers can take advantage of four distinct garden-related offerings.

First and foremost are the hundreds of perennial plants grown in members' gardens. These are tried and true performers for our local soil and climate. Also available will be varieties of milkweed, an essential plant for the survival of the monarch butterfly (and an attraction for other butterflies as well). For your palate, choose from heirloom tomato varieties. All plants are at bargain prices.

A longtime partner group, the Reed-Turner Botanic Artists, will have wonderful originals, prints, cards and more. All feature botanical themes. The members of this group have won numerous awards and are regularly featured in regional exhibits. These works will brighten your home year round.

Every garden needs more than just plants. Garden artwork, whether to place in the actual garden or to display on walls of garden sheds or patios, helps to focus attention and can set apart different garden beds or borders. The Club will have a variety of items that may be just perfect for your outdoor spaces. All of these items are offered at very affordable prices.

New this year is a gardening book sale. Members have donated new, gently used, and some well-thumbed historic volumes. There are offerings for everyone from the beginning gardener to in-depth specialty volumes on specific plant families. These books will help brighten up your green thumb.

We invite you to come out and see for yourself. The event is at the Reed-Turner Nature Center, 3849 Old McHenry Rd in Long Grove. Dates are May 20, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. and May 21 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is indoors so it will be held rain or shine. Cash or check only. For additional information, contact Kathy at 847-487-6985 or kathymichas33@gmail.com.