Spring plant sales are cropping up

One of my most anticipated and welcome signs of spring are the plant sales that crop up in our area each May. And my favorite of those is the annual Herb Sale in Chester Springs, of The Philadelphia Unit of The Herb Society of America. This year’s sale — their 84th annual — will be held on Thursday, May 11, from 10 a.m. to noon (rain or shine) in the meadow at Historic Yellow Springs, 1685 Art School Road, Chester Springs.

I love seeing how a large, inert-looking grassy field comes alive — with dozens of members and volunteers, and hundreds of attendees toting baskets, garden carts, children’s wagons (and sometimes children) to browse the tables laden with thousands of garden-ready plants, arranged conveniently from A to Z.

One of the things that always amazes me is that most of the plants you’ll find at the sale have been either grown from seed or “grown on” from nurseries, by the Philadelphia Unit’s members. Working in the greenhouse together and learning hands-on about the plants is “a major benefit” for them in creating this annual event. I had the good fortune one year to help out for a morning in the greenhouse, which remains one of my peak gardening experiences.

This year, as always, a wide variety of culinary and fragrant herbs, plus many rare and unusual scented geraniums and salvias will be featured. In addition, a “Made by Members” Boutique will highlight herbal specialties including chutneys, jams, mustards, notecards, and essential oil moisturizers.

NOTE: Payment for all purchases must be made by check or cash. Credit cards are not accepted.

An Herbal Box Brunch by Bause Catering, Pottstown will be available by reservation only. Cost is $17. Select from a choice of:

• Grilled Veggie & Hummus Wrap (Vegan)• Basil Chicken Salad Wrap (Dairy Free)• Basil Chicken Salad on Gluten Free Bread (Gluten Free, Dairy Free)• Ham & Swiss on Rosemary Focaccia

The lunch comes with Dill Vinaigrette Coleslaw (Gluten Free, Dairy Free), Chips, Fresh Ginger Cookie, and a Peppermint Patty. Send your order selection and check, which must be received by May 1, to: HSA Philadelphia Unit, P.O. Box 273, Chester Springs, PA 19425. Don’t forget to indicate your menu choice(s) and name(s), as every box will be individually labeled.

For questions, contact:  algayl@verizon.net or 610-585-6560.

For more information on the Philadelphia Unit of the HSA, visit www.hsaphiladelphia.org. Proceeds from the sale help the group continue its work in educating the public about herbs, offering scholarships to deserving students, and maintaining three public gardens

The Herb Sale is just one of the plant sales in the works. The Uwchlan Garden Club has announced its spring plant sale to take place on Saturday, May 13, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine. You’ll find container gardens and garden crafts, vegetable and herb plants, “something for the birds and bees,” and perennial plants, shrubs, and trees “from our gardens to yours.” Also, gifts for Mom, just in time for Mother’s Day. The sale takes place at the 1756 Uwchlan Meeting House on 5 N. Village Avenue, Lionville, PA (GPS – use Exton, PA). Proceeds benefit the 1756 Uwchlan Meeting House. If questions, email uwchlangardenclub@gmail.com.

Note: Do you know of other plant sales coming up? Please let me know so I can get the word out here.

In other news, Planning a visit to Philadelphia? The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) announced that the PHS Pop Up Gardens at Manayunk and South Street will reopen for the season on April 1, 2023. These beloved garden restaurants signal the return of warm weather and fun times spent outside with friends, food, drinks, and plants! They also support the nonprofit PHS’s important work advancing health and well-being through gardening in the Philadelphia region. Visit www.phspopupgardens.com for more information.

Pam Baxter is an avid organic vegetable gardener who lives in Kimberton. Direct e-mail to pamelacbaxter@gmail.com, or send mail to P.O. Box 80, Kimberton, PA 19442. Pam’s nature-related books for children and families are available on Amazon, at Amazon.com/author/pamelabaxter.