One of the yearly participation requirements for all Active Members of the GCN includes one fundraising event–either the Annual Plant & Bake Sale or the Artisan Fair. We are currently seeking members to work at the Plant Sale on Saturday, May 18th. There are three shifts to choose from:
- 7:30-9:00 am (Set Up)
- 8:30-10:30 am (Sales)
- 10:30-12:00 pm (Sales & Clean up)
Donations to the Plant Sale, 2024
The Plant and Bake Sale is The Garden Club of Norfolk’s (GCN) primary annual fundraiser. Funds raised help support work on Town Gardens and sponsor presentations from gardening experts, which are always free to the public. IMPORTANT NOTE: All plants will be dug from the private gardens of GCN members. After digging, all plants will be checked for the visible presence of jumping worms and worm cocoons. While the GCN cannot guarantee providing plants free of invasive jumping worms, we know the situation and will observe caution. The GCN strongly encourages all gardeners to carefully read this sheet, which provides information on the background and characteristics of the jumping worm and a detailed checklist of ways to minimize the spread.
How to Donate Plants
- Pot your plants mid-April until the first week in May. This article explains how to divide plants. This article is an important reminder about jumping worms.
- Early potting ensures plants acclimate to their pot and look their best.
- All plants should be healthy, leaves green with a bright even color.
- Line the bottom of pots with newspaper or coffee filters. This is optional but may help reduce soil in your vehicle during transportation.
- Recommended pot size is width 5-7 inches, height 4-5 inches. This size is best for the majority of plants.
- If you need pots, contact Stephanie Hamel (508-648-9044).
- Place plants in the shade after potting and pay attention to watering.
- Plant labels will be available at the meeting on May 1st.
- Label Plants: Plant Name, Height, Color, Sun/ Shade.
- Potted Plants can be dropped off at from May 8th to May 11th with Stephanie Hamel, 8 Lee Ann Drive.
- Please provide a list of all plants being donated, this helps with inventory. This list can be emailed to Stephanie and Jill ahead of time.
Bake Sale
In order to make the bake sale table a bit more interesting we are adding dog treats to the table and another previous idea is jams and jellies. We have some new jars not used at a bridal shower and would be happy to pass them to any club member that would like to make a jelly that we could sell at the plant sale. One previous member made them and always sold out. Please contact Jill Kennedy about the jars, jillwkennedy@gmail.com. So anything that might be new and different that you could share would help us to have some fun and make a profit. Remember to make the item you’re donating packaged attractively to enhance a sale.Bake Sale Guidelines The Bake Sale is held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Town Hill near the gazebo. All baked items should be delivered (if possible) between 8:15 & 9 a.m. on the day of the sale.
- We are unable to repackage baked goods. Therefore, we need each baker to package goods so that they are ready to sell.
| PLEASE INCLUDE A LABEL DESCRIBING THE ITEM AND MAKE NOTE OF ANY ALLERGENS (for example, “contains nuts.” The most common food allergens are milk, citrus, eggs, soy, peanuts, wheat, tree nuts, melon, sesame seeds, strawberries, shellfish, and fish.). Bake sale items should be shelf-stable. Foods that require hot or cold holding are not allowed at a bake sale. | |
| Cookies | Pack three cookies in a sandwich bag. |
| Bars and brownies | Pack two bars or brownies in a sandwich bag. |
| Cakes and fruit-based pies | Wrap in plastic wrap. |
| Cupcakes and muffins | Pack one item each in a bag or cupcake box. |
| Quick breads and yeast breads | If to be sold by the slice, put three slices into a seal bag. If to be sold whole, wrap item in plastic wrap |
| Any other items | Please use the above guidelines to judge how to wrap. |
- Cheesecake
- Pastries
- Cream, meringue, custard, or pumpkin pies
- Cream-filled cakes, cupcakes, muffins, or doughnuts
- Frosting and fillings made with cream cheese
Gardening Partners
Zeigler’s Market Garden, Norfolk MA – www.zmg.farm
Their produce and vegetable plants are grown locally in Norfolk using organic methods and sustainable farming practices that do not use synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.Massachusetts Master Gardener Association FREE PH Soil Testing
If you want to have your soil tested by MMGA for free, you will need to gather your soil sample. Please plan to do so at least 3-4 days in advance. Learn more and have your soil tested.- Why is soil important? Read Soil-The Good Gardeners Secret.
- One component of healthy soil is pH; a simple test is a good place to start. Testing for pH uses a 14-point scale: a pH of 7 is neutral; a pH less that 7 is acidic; a pH greater than 7, alkaline. Different plants have different pH requirements. If your pH is “off,” beneficial soil microorganisms can be affected, and plants may not be able to access important nutrients which may already be present in the soil.
Norfolk Sharpening, Norfolk MA
Drop off garden tools, kitchen knives, scissors for sharpening at the fair; pick up at 7 Cresson Avenue, Norfolk. (508) 507-9669 – john@norfolksharpening.com Contact: John Garden tools that Norfolk Sharpening can sharpen. All prices include cleanup and lubrication as well as sharpening.- Hand pruners – $12
- Loppers – $12
- Hedge Shears (long handled, scissor-like tool) – $1.25 per inch of blade (no electric trimmers, manual only).
- Axes and Hatchets – $12-$15 depending on damage
- Mower Blades – $15 (includes cleanup and balancing)
- No hand powered grass shears.
The Garden Club of Norfolk, Inc. 