Ferndale Perennial Exchange Event Shares Plants, Grows Community

Ferndale Perennial Exchange Event Shares Plants, Grows Community
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 17, 2021)
Ferndale, MI – Many beautiful yards and gardens in Ferndale begin with help from neighbors that visit the annual Ferndale Beautification Commission Plant Exchange.
The event took place Saturday at Harding Park in the city’s NE quadrant, with dozens of people arriving with plants stuffed in bags, boxes, egg cartons, old yogurt cups, and whatever else helped transport the gifted transplants.  The Ferndale Garden Club also donated packets filled with zinnia seeds, which is club’s official flower.  The City’s flower is the coneflower, and there were plenty of those on hand as well.
Plants were sorted by type and amount of light needed, and experts were on hand to answer questions.  The event also gave neighbors a chance to chat about their gardening experiences and plans for this season.
Lynn and Dave Cottrill were among those who visited Saturday, going home with some bee baum plants which are known for their bright citrus scent and their ability to attract bees, hummingbirds, and butterflies.  In the past, they said, they’ve taken home coneflowers which have thrived in their yard.  “They have extremely deep roots,” said Dave.  “We transplanted some to the back yard and they’re doing well.”
Trevor Johnson was appointed to the Beautification Commission just a couple weeks ago.  Johnson does urban garden planning on a professional level and is passionate about plants, ecology, and sustainability.   One project on his mind is turning underutilized alleyways into intentionally designed green spaces.
“I read the charter for the Beautification Commission and I thought this would be a way to use my skills to help influence the health of many people.  Plants are health.  And we can build places where everyone benefits from the way they look to the environmental impacts.  Having a space full of nature, that impacts the psyche.  And we can create that.”
The Beautification Commission celebrates property improvements throughout the city.  Through the summer they give monthly Beautification Awards to homes and businesses, and each year there is a coveted Coneflower Award for the snazziest use of the city flower in one’s landscape.  There are also awards around holiday decor in October and December.
Learn more about the Ferndale Beautification on their Facebook Page.

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