42nd Annual Spring Pottery & Glass Festival
Friday Night Gala, April 2, 6pm – 10pm
Saturday & Sunday, April 3 & 4, 10am – 6pm
Saturday & Sunday, April 10 & 11, 10am – 6pm

Grassroots Gardening

by John Martin & Jeff Bottoms

From “tea parties” to local produce, folks have come to realize the importance of community in their everyday lives.  As global as our society has become, it is still your neighbor next door that is your strongest handhold when times are tough, especially given the increased competition from foreign production.    A revival of this sense of community is underway and encompasses all aspects of our everyday lives.  After all, mass production seems to have grown beyond its means, with recalls and bankruptcies dominating the news.   Buying locally just seems to make good sense.

This applies too to the craft of gardening, ancient and ingrained in our culture.  These days we are exposed to species from all corners of the world, from eccentric collectors, presenting an exotic and bewildering array of possibilities for our gardens.  Though this is all well and good, the average gardener may give up and turn his back on this seemingly impossible world, missing out on simpler, yet fulfilling opportunities.  A huge array of choices may prove daunting, especially when they arrive on some giant truck from some faraway land (thank goodness most nursery stock isn’t imported).  And you don’t necessarily need some fancy landscaping company turning your grass a surreal shade of green and hacking your shrubs to bits.

Relax.  Easier options exist.  “Pass-along” plants - passed along from neighbor to neighbor - have satisfied many gardeners’ needs since time began.  Local farmers and flea markets host a myriad of small, local growers passionate about their craft.  Local nurseries experienced in actually growing the plants they sell are indispensable resources as well, and many of these sell natives, the ultimate in “grassroots” garden plants. Many feature display gardens so that you can view their performance first-hand.  Also, one can visit local public gardens and arboretums to see what does well in your area, and take advantage of local extension agencies and master-gardening programs to help you along.  Given that so many of us these days are transplants ourselves, a shared knowledge of what works locally is invaluable.  This sense of community is the essence of grassroots gardening.

Once some confidence is gained, one may choose to indulge in the more exotic side of gardening, though be aware that there is an infinite world of possibilities.  “Box stores” and fancy garden centers may be just the beginning, with specialty nurseries and internet shopping the next steps along the path. 

Just stay grounded and remember that there are friends by your side, a local community of supporters that share your vision and interests as well.

During the festival, we will be in the nursery answering your gardening questions and helping you select your favorite locally grown plants.