The beloved spring tradition for all gardeners, Wilton Garden Club’s annual Plant Sale, will celebrate its Oak Anniversary this year at 80 years old. In May of 1939, Wilton was in many ways not very different than it is today. Dominating the Wilton Bulletin were concerns about the schools, or lack thereof. Wilton was sending its 90 high school students to Staples in Westport, and residents were debating the economics and long-term benefits of having its own high school. Drought contributed to abundant wild fires that were started by farmers who carelessly disposed of lit cigarettes. The Village Market was advertising its manager’s specials; veal could be had for 31 cents a pound and delivered to your home. There was much lamenting about the lack of a proper two-lane bridge connecting Center Street to the “Danbury Pike,” and the Havell family’s pet poodle “Boy” had his own obituary when he was killed in a hit-and-run accident by a car with New York plates.
The Plant Sale’s early days may have been inauspicious, but over the years it has grown into one of the most well attended community events in Wilton. Proceeds support the Club’s mission, which have remained the same over the past 80 years: beautification, preservation, conservation and education. With just 35 members in 1939, the first Plant Sale consisted of several dozen plants dug from members’ yards. For many years, it was held in different locations around town before finding its permanent home on Town Green. Since then, the Plant Sale has grown exponentially to include pollinator plants, wildflowers, herbs, vegetables, perennials, annuals, shrubs, patio containers, hanging flower baskets and beautiful decorative baskets. Those 35 members would be proud to see how the Plant Sale has evolved over time, becoming a vital part of the Wilton community and important source of its beauty and charm. For beyond the free gardening advice cheerfully doled out by members, the proceeds are used for the upkeep of the town’s many gardens as well as the Club’s numerous outreach programs. Despite the growth in the Plant Sale’s size and significance, however, in many ways things haven’t changed much at all in 80 years: For members, it still serves as a vehicle where friendships can be formed across generations and town lines.
The Wilton Garden Club’s Mother’s Day Plant Sale will be held Friday, May 10th, from noon to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, May 11th, from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. rain or shine at Wilton’s Town Green. There will also be an early bird sale open to the public at the Club’s greenhouse at the Comstock Community Center on Wednesday, May 8th, from 9:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. For more information go to wiltongardenclub.org or facebook.com/wiltongardenclub
