March 19, 2024

Plant power: Project AWAKE to host annual plant sale May 6

For those who enjoy the Newton Arboretum and Botanical Gardens can give back to the organization that manages and operates the grounds.

The Project AWAKE Annual Plant Sale will be May 6-7 inside the Jacob Krumm Center at the Newton Arboretum, 3000 N. Fourth Ave. E.

The first opportunity for gardeners to select plants is at the pre-sale from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Friday. The pre-sale includes a heirloom tomato seminar by Andy Stone and refreshments will be served. A freewill donation of $5 is asked for pre-sale admission.

The plant sale will be from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. There is no admission fee.

Project AWAKE has been hosting the plant sale for 15 years. All sales and donations go directly back to the Newton Arboretum.

A wide variety of perennial plants from daylilies to spring woodland flowers to house plants, annuals, herbs and seed saver packets will all be available for purchase.

“This is our big fundraiser, and it’s one that is becoming a tradition,” Linda Dalton, Project AWAKE president and plant sale committee chair said. “I’m amazed that the plant sale is a community effort, and I’m pleased it gets people to come in, share their stories and interest in gardens.”

Throughout the week volunteers will help locals dig and divide perennials in their garden which are then donated. Volunteers will gather perennials and pot them at the Newton Arboretum. At the end of the week, volunteers will arrange the plants and identify them.

About 25 people are volunteering to help make the plant sale a large event.

There are 12 Project AWAKE board members and other Friends of Project AWAKE who work hard in organizing the sale. Andy Stone, Pam Stone, Peggy Fey, Carolyn Burke and Judy Manusos are just some who volunteer a lot of time.

“They are some of the most active people and do a lot of work out in the garden,” Dalton said.

All plants are donated with perennials coming from local home owners who may have an abundance in their gardens. Carol Kramer and Fran Henderson pot plants and donate them for the sale.

“People can come knowing that the plants are from the area so they have a chance for living,” Dalton said.

Annuals are also donated by Coxes Greenhouse, Earl May, Hy-Vee and Theisen’s.

“They all donate every year, and it’s very generous of them,” Dalton said.

Board members and volunteers, many whom are master gardeners, will be at the sale to help answer questions and botanical books will be available.

The mission of Project AWAKE is to promote appreciation and awareness of the environment in the Newton community by planting trees and flower beds in public areas. It also wants to stimulate citizens to make improvements on their individual properties and encourages the preservation of open spaces.

Project AWAKE manages the Newton Arboretum and relies on volunteers and donations to maintain its upkeep. The local nonprofit is not affiliated with the city or state government and relies on funding from private donations as well as grants from conservation and environmental groups.

For community members who would like to donate perennials or need help digging them up, call the parks office at 641-791-3021.

Contact Kate Malott at 641-792-3121 ext. 6533 or kmalott@newtondailynews.com