In Your Own Backyard

Spring is this alive, jiving kind of season. So much is ready to pop from the ground and bring us great surprises. With plant enthusiasts in every nook and cranny, don’t miss out on the local opportunities in your own backyard. This is the time to get involved with what’s happening in your region. If you blink, you might miss out.

Remember yesterday and the exclusive club Hosta ‘Grape Fizz.’? If its August fragrant blossom wasn’t convincing enough for you to join your local Hosta society, http://www.americanhostasociety.org/ here’s another reason that might persuade readers, especially in the New England region http://www.nehosta.org/ to jump on board. The National Hosta Convention is taking place smack dab in Central Massachusetts this June. http://www.hosta2011.org/ It’s a first-hand opportunity to become part of something bigger than your own backyard. This is huge - it’s the Hosta hall of fame.

For every plant lover and plant, you can uncover specialty growers or a society. Don’t stop at Hostas; there’s an endless list. Your local garden clubs only require enthusiasm and a love for growie things. So dig for what’s in your own backyard. There’s always something happening now that the spring season has opened up for business.

Want to find a hidden, unique place in your area? Scour the local papers or snoop around the nurseries. Find out where the true plant lovers hang out. Here’s one event happening in Westford, MA that combines a plant sale (we’re talking trees and shrubs) with unusual imported home and garden pieces from around the world. Check out Nonset Farm, 76 Carlisle Road (Rte. 225). This event takes place end of April into May.

Here are the dates so you can mark at least one day on your calendar.

Friday, April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday, April 29th and Saturday, April 30th 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Sunday May 1st 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday, May 6th and Saturday, May 7th 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Wow. I’m finding William Arthur Ward’s quotes inspirational as spring unravels and brings us special treats each day. “Do more than belong: participate. Do more than care: help. Do more than believe: practice. Do more than be fair: be kind. Do more than forgive: forget. Do more than dream: work.”

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Image of an early morning May shot of Hostas in our own backyard by Greg Bilowz