May holds a special place in our hearts here at Hilgersom Landscape Centre. Of course it’s always an exciting time with the kickoff to the landscaping season that generally happens this time of year.  It’s also extra special to us because our firstborn is a Mayday child.  But May is also when we honor mothers and Mother Nature with an annual event held at our landscape centre, our Perennial Plant Exchange.

Hi, I'm Lindsay, Jerry Hilgersom Jr.’s better half, and you could say I wear many hats around our landscape centre; gardener, caretaker, and wrangler of our four, very busy kids who often make themselves at home at our centre. Before meeting Jerry, I wasn't a gardener. Sure, I loved being outdoors, soaking in the serenity of nature, but the idea of digging in the dirt wasn't exactly my idea of fun. All that changed when I fell in love with Jerry and, by extension, his family's passion for gardening.

Jerry's roots in gardening run deep, cultivated by his Dutch heritage where gardening is practically a way of life. It's something he inherited from his parents, and it's a tradition we're passing down to our own children. It's amazing how many perennials our elementary-aged kids can name already!  It seems gardening is truly in their blood!

For us, the perennial plant exchange that we host each year isn't just about trading plants.  It's about fostering a sense of camaraderie within the gardening community and sharing the joy that gardening brings. It's also about passing on and spreading knowledge about horticulture and nurturing a love for plants within the next generation of gardeners. Seeing the excitement on people's faces as they discover new plants or share their own favorites is what makes this event truly special!

Every year, we hold our annual event on the Saturday of Mother's Day weekend. It’s a great way to start the celebration of mothers and Mother Nature’s perennial gifts that keep giving. So, if you’re partaking in some garden therapy after a long winter and notice some perennials that may be outgrowing their space, consider bringing in those divided plants, labeled if possible, and trade them for something new. Even if you're starting with a new garden and don't have any plants to share quite yet, don't worry!  With a donation to our local Lethbridge and District Horticultural Society, you too can participate in the fun.

What can you expect at the plant exchange?

Well, besides a plethora of happy gardeners buzzing around, you'll find a wide array of perennials just waiting to find a new home. We'll have tables set up for you to display and trade your plants, and our team of knowledgeable gardeners will be on hand to offer guidance and answer any questions you may have. And of course, no garden gathering would be complete without coffee and treats to share.  We even have a door prize, pretty great for a FREE event!

So, mark your calendars for May 11th, and every Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend hence forth, and make a date with mom or anyone else! Join us at our Perennial Plant Exchange for a morning filled with laughter, camaraderie, and the joy of gardening. We can't wait to see you there!