SHELBURNE FALLS — Once again it is the merry month of May and time for the much-anticipated annual Bridge of Flowers Plant Sale, taking place this year on Saturday, May 13, at the corner of Main and Water streets.

From 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine, find perennials, most dug from the carefully tended Bridge garden, and annuals, some donated by local nurseries and private gardens.

“We have hundreds of perennial plants divided from Bridge plantings, including, for the first time, lady slippers,” said Bridge of Flowers Co-Chair and longtime plant sale organizer Lynda Leitner. “We also have an assortment of lovely annuals, including geraniums.”

Featured again this year will be vendors and soil testing, plus pollinator plant information. Sales from all these avenues will benefit the Bridge of Flowers.

For a second year, this year’s event will include a garden-themed tag sale featuring garden-related treasures and gifts, plus a bake sale. Proceeds from the tag and bake sales will go to the Bridge of Flowers Committee’s umbrella organization, the Shelburne Falls Area Women’s Club and its scholarship fund.

Even after the sale, people can continue to support the bridge by becoming a Friend or a member of the Blossom Brigade, a coterie of volunteers who work with Bridge Head Gardener Carol DeLorenzo and Assistant Gardener Elliston Bingham. Brigade volunteers maintain the bridge throughout the season by weeding, raking and keeping the iconic bridge garden beautiful for visitors from around the world.

Those interested in volunteering should visit bridgeofflowersmass.org and leave a message.

“We weed, plant, dig, deadhead, all to enjoy the gardens we have,” said longtime volunteer Nancy Fischlein. “I have a sign hanging in my garden shed that says, ‘When the world weakens and wearies, there is always the garden.’ I like this little verse because although gardens require steady upkeep, the process of that upkeep contains the good feeling of accomplishment and giving, while languishing in the loveliness of it all.”

The Bridge of Flowers Committee that oversees the flower span has been a volunteer-run enterprise for more than 90 years. Members donate their time to tend and irrigate flower beds, arrange for outside plumbing/electrical help if needed, open the gates, and raise money to support the bridge. To donate directly, visit bridgeoffflowersmass.org.

]]>