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National Public Gardens Day at Fellows Riverside Gardens
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.The All Plant Sale at Fellows Riverside Gardens had many participants volunteer-wise helping out on May 8. Pictured, from left, are Pat Chamberlain, Maggie Wellington and Phyllis Scoville.
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Plants were labeled all around the All Plant Sale for descriptions for customers, furthering their knowledge. Some plants available were ones not locally found.
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Plants of all varieties were available at the All Plant Sale at Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 8.
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Mary Mihalick (left) and Laura Kashdan (right) stayed hydrated throughout the day, volunteering on May 8 at the All Plant Sale.
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Neighbors | Amanda Tonoli.Volunteers Cara Smeltzer (left) and Lynn Zocolo (right) helped check people out at the All Plant Sale at Fellows Riverside Gardens on May 8.
By amanda tonoli
National Public Gardens Day was celebrated on May 8 and 9 and Fellows Riverside Gardens with an All Plant Sale. During this sale there was an exchange of information, detailed knowledge about plants and gardening and even contact information for tips and classes offered at Fellows Riverside Gardens.SClBKeith Kaiser, horticulture director of Fellows Riverside Gardens, said there was a lot of good things happening at the garden that day — the kickoff for Family Fun Fridays and the All Plant Sale.
“I love seeing all the people come to their public garden,” Kaiser said.
Kaiser continued to say that the people are his motivation behind making and maintaining such a healthy and viable public garden.
The nice weather helped the turnout, bringing people out for a promising spring.
“It’s a definite kickoff for the spring,” Kaiser said. “This year I was really excited to have two sunny days. We haven’t had two nice days for this in years.”
At the plant sale, there were numerous kinds of plants available for not only purchase, but the event also offered opportunities for education.
“We sell plants, but it’s not just that we are selling them, but providing plants that maybe people can’t find locally,” Kaiser said. “We are talking about the importance and characteristics of the plants.”
There were signs on plants, giving a brief description of their background, how to care for them and what the best environment and condition is for that plant.
In addition to these educating signs, experts were available throughout the day to help those seeking additional information.
“Most people working here are volunteers and have gone through our master gardening program,” Kaiser said. “They are very knowledgeable about the plants.... That’s what a public garden is about — we educate about them.”