Gardeners share nature’s bounty

Jane Maddock, of St. Joseph, has too many cranesbill geraniums, ornamental grasses, lilies and black-eyed Susans in her yard. She wants to make sure that garden surplus goes to a good home. Maddock works with Plant It Forward, a local program that brings people who are thinning their gardens together with people who want to start one. “Any time you’re a gardener, you have to divide plants anyway. They grow beyond their space and get crowded,” Maddock says. “It’s great to be able to give plants to people who need them.”Excerpt:Plant It Forward was created in 2001 after Janet McClelland, a member of the Indian Hills Garden Club, watched the movie “Pay It Forward” with her grandchildren. She suggested that garden clubs donate plants to people who have an interest in beautifying their property or growing their own vegetables but cannot afford to buy plants. They, in turn, could share their plants with other people in future years. The idea took root and now, thousands of plants are distributed to dozens of families every year.Betsy Langbo, Plant It Forward coordinator, said the event is helping families grow their own vegetables and flowers, and helping children get fresh air and exercise while experiencing the simple joy of growing and tending plants.For the details on the 10th annual event, read the entire story.Source: Herald-Palladium