Plants, Tips and Smiles Exchanged in Ferndale
(Crystal A. Proxmire, June 5, 2018)
Ferndale, MI- Jenna Nelson had too many spider plants, and a desire to start working on her yard.  Thankfully each year the Ferndale Beautification Commission hosts a Perennial Exchange to help people like Nelson find homes for unwanted plants while picking out new things for themselves.
Nelson recently moved to Ferndale from Iowa and she’s enjoying turning her new house into a home.  “I’ve only grown indoor plants, so this is all new to me,” she said.  “It’s been a great learning experience.
The event, held at Blumz by JRDesigns on May 19, featured experienced gardeners and even a Master Gardener from Michigan State University Extension.  Mary Fredericks shared her expertise by giving advice and helping to identify plants brought in.
She helped Nelson pick out a variety of plants that would do well in her yard, including milkweed.
“Milkweed is important for butterflies because it’s where butterflies lay their eggs, and it grows quite well in Michigan,” Fredericks said.  “Otherwise all these plants here are native to Michigan, which is great.  Native plants are easy to grow because they’re made for this environment.”
She added that getting plants from other people’s yards can be an advantage over greenhouse plants because “these have already wintered over,” she said. “These have wintered over so they are strong plants.”
Dominic Scappaticci volunteers with the Ferndale Beautification Commission and the Ferndale Garden Club.  He and several members helped with the Exchange.
“The first week of June is National Garden Week,” Scappaticci said. “The City Council is going to be recognizing that this year.”
He said that the Garden Club has about 40 members who share the love of getting their hands dirty.  “We’re very civic-minded,” he said.  “We give out scholarships. We maintain a public garden. We help do planting at Memorial Mall.  And we have lectures at our meetings.  It’s all abilities and skill levels, sharing a love of gardening with each other and the community.”
The Ferndale Beautification Commission also encourages the sprucing up of yards and businesses by hosting contests. In the winter they recognize holiday lights.  In the fall they recognize Halloween decorations. And through the summer they give Beautification Awards for yards and property improvements.
Learn more at the links below:
Ferndale Beautification Commission
Ferndale Garden Club
MSU Extension Master Gardening Program Resources
Blumz
Oakland County Times Event Page