Tables begin emptying at Saturday’s Dunbar Garden Club sale, with customers mulling further purchases. On the left, a big decision is being made about a Lady’s Slipper orchid.
By Carol Volkart
The sun shone, the crowds surged, and parking was scarce near the Dunbar Garden Club’s annual plant sale on Saturday.
One participant said he had to drive more than a block away to find parking. In previous years, he said, he’s often been able to park across the street from the event, held every year in the carport of a home at 37th and Highbury.
“I think attendance was higher than usual, due to the beautiful day, and advertising through posters, word of mouth, social media and your [Dunbar News] article,” Garden Club president Allison Barnes said after the sale.
A small crowd bearing trays for the plunder ahead had gathered outside the carport by 9:30 a.m., in preparation for the 10 a.m. opening. Nearby, the baking booth full of home-made treats was doing a brisk business, and tea and coffee were being dispensed.
Once the sale began, it was polite mayhem along the crowded U-shaped route, with the more-focused customers edging their way around those pondering their purchases. Often, more experienced gardeners would offer tips and advice to the uncertain. “Dry shade? Yes, that’s a good one for that,” one co-customer told me as I hesitated over a likely-looking plant.
Barnes said that by the end of the day, the majority of the plants were sold. “The ‘specials’ were very popular, particularly with the early crowd – those who know, know.” Remaining plants are either brought to the next club meetings, overwintered for next year, or donated to Brock House for their sale in July, she said.
There were no leftover scones or cookies, though, and the pots and tools also sold out.
As for the amount raised, Barnes said she doesn’t yet have numbers, but suspects it will be higher than previous years, partly because people had the option of paying by card this year. The funds go to the BC Council of Garden Clubs annual scholarships, which support horticultural students access the Lower Mainland.
All in all, said Barnes: “Super fun event, with a lot of happy volunteers and community members.”
The aftermath: My plant sale purchase, soon to be added to my shady garden. Yes, there’s a podophyllum in there, a shredded umbrella plant, a trout lily, and a tiny Lady’s Slipper orchid.
It was my first Dunbar Garden Club event, and I’m hooked! I bought a bounty of plants, chatted with a few folks and enjoyed the baking treats I brought home! My hat goes off to the club!
This was only my second plant-sale outing, and I’m hooked too! Last year, I bought plants I’d never heard of before and expected to die. A lovely little “Paris” was my favourite. Amazingly, it survived and this spring is spreading nicely. I had good luck with others too. Maybe it’s because these plants are Dunbar-grown and familiar with our weather and soil. Thanks to the Garden Club folks for a fun event that connects neighbours and raises money for a good cause too!