Part of their plan for improvements was to give the library’s drab gray walls a facelift — undertaking a unique fundraiser to finance the makeover, one that carries on today. Instead of asking for cash donations, the women sought plant donations and began the Bowdoinham Library Plant Sale.
The first sale took place behind Dot Dickinson’s store on Main Street. According to Leslie Anderson, in a quote from a 1985 interview, “we had wilting lilacs, cow manure and house plant rejects.” They were surprised — and pleased — they raised $131, a nice total in 1974. This was more than enough to turn the gloomy gray walls into a cheery, eye-popping tangerine and lemon yellow.
Thus, a tradition was born.
This year’s sale is still the third Saturday in May — May 17 — and it will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The proceeds of the sale are still a major part of the library’s budget.
The sale has improved quite a bit over the years. Now, fresh plants of every variety are offered for sale.
Specializing in heirloom varieties, the selection of perennials is impressive, and the signs with information about the cultivars are spot-on. The annuals are just the thing to shake off the last of the winter doldrums. Trees and shrubs are offered for sale outdoors.
Other offerings will include the Food Freaks table, with elementary schoolchildren raffling off a basket with a gardening theme.
The sale occurs at Bowdoinham Town Hall on School Street, and all are welcome. Come and stock your garden. For more information, contact the library at 666-8405.
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