By this time of the year, it may seem like winter will never end. Many of us are eager to start gardening knowing that spring is right around the corner. While we can’t make the calendar pages turn more quickly, we can get ready for the upcoming gardening season while having some fun with friends and neighbors by hosting a garden party.
Hosting a garden-themed gathering is a great way to start planning for the upcoming garden season, swap seeds, exchange houseplant cuttings and share favorite recipes using garden delicacies. Consider inviting all the green-thumbed friends in your life for a couple of hours of sharing, networking and fun.
Plan Your Event
Make your guest list, including family, friends and neighbors. Many public libraries have spaces that can be reserved for gatherings if you are not able to host in your own home. If you are using a public space, consider posting your event so more people may be able to join in the fun.
Organize Seeds to Swap
Sort through your seed collection and set aside extras to share. Double-check to make sure they are in good condition and likely viable. If you are not sharing the whole seed packet, clearly label an envelope with all the critical information such as plant variety, planting, growing and harvest information.
Organize a Seed Catalog Order
Costs can add up when ordering gardening seeds and supplies. Bring seed catalogs and organize a group order to share larger packets of seeds and cut down on shipping costs. Even if no orders are placed, it is fun to see catalogs from new seed companies and all the different plant varieties available.
Exchange Houseplant Cuttings
A number of houseplants are easy to propagate from cuttings. Some of the easiest to propagate in water are pothos, philodendron, Christmas cactus, pilea (Chinese money plant), geranium and spider plant. Snip a stem off any of these plants just below a node and place it in water. Within a couple of weeks, roots will form and the cutting will be ready to plant.
Share Gardening Know-How
A gathering of gardeners can be a tremendous resource. Brainstorm solutions for issues experienced in the garden, share tips and tricks and discuss successful pest control strategies. If you get stuck, you can submit your questions to the University of Vermont Extension Master Gardener Helpline at https://go.uvm.edu/gardenquestion. Recommend that your guests bring their garden journal if they keep one. There might be some new ideas to jot down!
Garden Delights
A fun way to engage guests and lighten the responsibilities of the host is to organize a potluck. Ask your attendees to bring a snack or appetizer to share, preferably using ingredients that can be grown in the garden. Have copies of the recipe available to take home. Maybe there are seeds to share for the produce as well.
A winter garden party is more than a fun gathering. It’s a way to strengthen your gardening network, share knowledge and build excitement for the upcoming gardening season. You will be sure to leave with new ideas and inspiration. Celebrate the joy of gardening and brighten the winter months by connecting with fellow gardeners.
by Andrea Knepper, UVM Extension Master Gardener
Featured photo: A winter garden party is a fun event where guests can browse seed catalogs, swap seeds and houseplant cuttings, share ideas from their garden journals and enjoy a potluck meal featuring dishes that use ingredients that can be grown in the garden. Photo by Andrea Knepper
