It’s Finally Time….
After a particularly hard winter, the English bluebells are a welcome sight, transforming brown lawns into a carpet of periwinkle blue. And when there are bluebells, sunny daffodils and delicate tulips, you know it’s time for the 2026 Annual Plant Sale at St. Jude’s Anglican Church on May 9th.
“It is one of the highlights of our year,”offers Ronnie Mills, President of the Garden Guild. “Not only because it raises needed funds for projects like a building a new shed, or replacing an outdated irrigation system, but because it brings eager gardeners together under one roof. It’s really a family affair, where we see generations of repeat visitors pulling toddlers in carts.”
The Sale is in a beautiful setting, in a large hall with a vaulted ceiling and the regal profile of Queen Victoria, an avid gardening enthusiast herself, looking down from her glorious stained glass window.
Some experienced gardeners who are also repeat visitors come in knowing exactly what they want to plant and where and fill up their trays quickly and leave with a satisfied smile. Others like to wander the rows of plants, reading the detailed planting instructions or asking assistance and advice from one of the expert gardeners. The members of the Garden Guild are delighted to answer questions, sharing their knowledge. For example, one of our gardening experts recommends combing coral bells with their colourful foliage with other plants that thrive in partial shade, such as ferns and astilbe. If you are wanting to plant a garden that attracts pollinators, purple cone flowers and black-eyed susans are great choices for full sun: plant in groups of 3 so pollinators can find them. Just ask us: we love talking plants!
Held on Saturday May 9th, the volunteer gardeners of the Garden Guild open the doors on King Street to the many gardeners who line up waiting for the Sale to start. The selection of perennials, heirloom tomatoes and an array of fresh herbs is best early - the sale runs from 8:30 to 11:30. Cash, credit and debit are accepted.