The annual plant sale event sponsored by the Des Fleurs Garden Club not only raises money for scholarships and distributes plants to beautify the community, but helps community blossom.
“Part of our involvement in the community is we provide the funding for the hanging baskets,” said future co-president Sue Mavis. “We’ve given a $1,500 scholarship to Miami for botany or horticulture students.”
The 60th annual event occurs today May 2 at the Oxford Community Arts Center. Community members can shop a high-quality selection of plants, bid on auction items and attend the luncheon.
The quick sale occurred this morning in the north parlor, offering divisions of current club members’ perennials, herbs, trees, shrubs, native and blooming plants. Plants ranged from common to rare, such as daisies, hostas, tropicals and herbs.
The sale began small in the Oxford Presbyterian Church basement 60 years ago. “Members brought wet plants in Kroger bags,” said event co-chair Kim Peterka, owner of CJ’s Bar at 23 E. High St.. The past club president utilizes her staff’s connections to gain volunteer help throughout the year, especially during sale week.
Today, the sale sprawls throughout the historical arts center and plants are sold in ornate, cement pots instead of Kroger bags. “The football team really helps us. We are at the point where we can’t carry around cement planters anymore. Delta Chi also helped us earlier this week,” said event co-chair and future co-president Layne Listerman.
Club members helped dozens of shoppers find correct plants for their southwestern Ohio gardens. Inexpensive books, plant labels and art were also on sale. The silent and live auctions occurred in the morning. In the live auction, container gardens and special plants were assembled by botanist Jack Keegan. A salad luncheon followed the live auction.
Founded in 1959, Des Fleurs’s requires all members to have a garden, participate in flower shows and attend meetings regularly, according to the club’s website.
Current president Gwen Peitzuch emphasized the value of community within the club. “It is the best organization to work with considering the creativity of all the members. Everybody has strengths and weaknesses,” said Peitzuch. “We work together. That’s what’s complimentary.”
