Gardeners of Central Lake County to Hold Plant Sale

If you're planning to visit the Gardeners of Central Lake County's annual plant sale on Saturday, you should definitely get there early.

"Generally, the good stuff goes by really fast at the beginning," said Tony Kirch, plant sale chairman. "We usually have 50 to 60 people waiting in line before we open."

"The first 45 minutes are unbelievable," Kirch added. "It goes by so fast. Most of the plants are gone by that time."

What makes the Gardeners of Central Lake County's sale unique is that the majority of the plants—expected to number 600 to 700 this year—come from members' gardens. Kirch said customers can expect to find lots of herbs and perennials at the sale.

Kirch said about three weeks ago, members were worried that there would be far fewer plants at this year's sale due to the late spring.

"The dry and warmer weather we've had the last few weeks have helped," he said. "Right now, hostas are questionable. We may have a few hostas."

The plant sale serves as the Gardeners of Central Lake County's major fundraiser, allowing the group to hold programs throughout the years. The club plants and maintains the roses in Cook Park, and they'll be sponsoring a free garden walk on June 29. The walk will feature five private gardens in Vernon Hills and Lincolnshire.

The plant sale will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m. May 11 at the Crawford Warming House, 817 W. Lake St., Libertyville.