BLOOMSDAY | Rocky River Beautification Committee Holds Second Annual Perennial Plant Sale This Saturday

Buyers chose from over 740 plants at the 2012 Perennial Plant Sale.

The Rocky River Beautification Committee is preparing for its Perennial Plant Sale at Don Umerley Memorial Hall, on Saturday, June 1st, from 9:00 a.m. until noon. Most plants will be priced from $2 - $15 so buyers can enhance their garden without overtaxing their budget. Plants remaining in the last 30 minutes of the sale will be discounted by 40% with the exception of specialty items. Admission is free. While the focus of the sale remains perennials, the selection is slated to expand to include vegetables this year.

The concept of the sale is to gather donations from local gardeners who are dividing their perennials to stimulate growth and keep them healthy. “We were grateful for the generosity of residents last year. Buyers had an amazing choice of over 740 plants representing over 40 varieties,” said Gail Liggett, Chair of the Perennial Plant Sale.  An additional benefit of working with plants from local gardens is that they have been proven to work in Rocky River’s microclimate and soil.

Knowing that passionate gardeners will want to contribute even if physical digging is difficult for them, the Beautification Committee is able to assist those with numerous plants to donate. 

Donations of yard and house plants, herbs, shrubs and small trees will be welcomed at various drop off points in Rocky River throughout May or can be brought to Memorial Hall on May 31st. All plant donations will need to be labeled with the plant’s name and color (if applicable). Contact Gail Liggett at gliggett@ffl.net or via City Hall at 440.331.0600 for drop off locations or assistance with digging numerous plant donations.

The Cleveland Botanical Garden, Green Team, and Rocky River Community Garden will be at the sale to share information about the care and needs of plants. They will also have information available about their own educational resources, programs and upcoming events.

Fundraisers like the Perennial Plant Sale and Light Up River allow the Beautification Committee to finance projects like a custom croquet-themed bike rack, currently in production and scheduled to be installed in front of the Recreation Center this summer. The Beautification Committee also runs the Bright Spot program, where residents are recognized during the summer for taking exceptional care of their homes and gardens. Information about that program will be available soon.

The Rocky River Beautification Committee’s mission is focused on projects and recreational activities that foster community involvement to improve the appearance of the city. The Committee strives to enhance the quality of life in Rocky River.  Find more information about the group’s activities at rrcity.com/beautification_committee.html.