May Events around Williamson

hello Fellow Gardeners!

I hope you've been enjoying the recent gorgeous days.

Last week, we had a great turnout for the Mason Farms tour -- over 27 people came. Doug Mason gave a great tour of the farm including a view of their organic seedlings and a discussion of IPM (Integrated Pest Management). It is really eye-opening to see the time and energy that goes into running a farm. Afterwards, we were able to walk around their retail greenhouse and buy flowers. If you haven't made it over there yet, they are open every day. Check out their dahlias -- I've already been back to pick up a couple more.

If you make it over to the Williamson Library/Town hall, notice the gorgeous spring flowers around the entrance sign - the tulips and such were donated by the Garden Club and add a great splash of color. If you see other places/signs that you think would benefit from spring flowers, let me know and maybe we can plant some in the fall.

Lots of news for May:
1. May is Apple Blossom Festival month. We will be doing the downtown Planters and the Town Hall planters (I think) on Friday, May 9th, after work. Please let me know if you are available to help out -- we have 18-20 planters to do and can use help.

2. Saturday, May 10th, is Clean Sweep Day. If you are free Saturday morning, consider helping out. We received a lot of compliments on how great Main Street looked during the Apple Blossom Festival and it's always great to show off how good Williamson looks.

3. We will have a booth on Saturday, May 17th, at the Apple Blossom Festival.
a. If you can donate plants (indoor/outdoor) or other gardening-related items, let me know. Last year, flowing plants really got people's attention but everything sold well. If you need pots, call me as I have extra ones.
b. Let me know your availability to sit at the table/help out on Saturday.

4. And, as I have to encourage plant-buying, there are some fun events going on this weekend.

a. Spring Valley Greenhouse (http://www.springvalleygreenhouse.com/)is having their Open House in Walworth on May 3rd and 4th from 10-5. Use the coupon in the Spring Valley Gardens newsletter to receive your free clematis, (valued at $5.98) No purchase required, http://www.springvalleygreenhouse.com/uploads/svg-newsletter-2008.pdfFrom past experience, their gardens are gorgeous to walk through and be warned that it's hard to walk out without buying something!b. Edgewood Nursery, 620 Walworth Penfield Road (Rte 441) is having their annual nursery stock auction on May 5th starting at 10. Preview is at 9am and there's more information at www.reynoldsauction.com. If you bid on something, you need to take it with you that day. Last year I bought a beautiful crabapple tree for $12.

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I'll be posting other events on our website. http://grow-thewilliamsongardenclub.blogspot.com/
There are quite a few Garden Club flower sales, etc. and I don't want to overwhelm people's mailbox. If you hear of an event that you think might be of interest, email me and I'll post it on our website.

Happy Gardening!
Subrata