Celebrate spring with plants, community fun at home

Two upcoming community events in Mount Vernon offer the perfect way to celebrate the season while shopping for plants and more. The Azalea Trail Annual Sale, on Saturday, April 18th, and the Garden Club Plant Sale and Auction on Tuesday, April 28th, will feature a wide variety of azaleas, flowering plants, and yard art, along with plenty of inspiration for your spring planting projects.

The first event, hosted by the Mount Vernon Azalea Trail Committee, will be held at Riverbend Park on Saturday, April 18, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Shoppers will find both traditional and Encore azaleas, as well as perennials, annuals, and native plants. Unique, hand-painted yard art created by local artist Lynn Bastin will also be available. These durable, one-of-a-kind pieces are designed for outdoor use and make a great addition to any garden.

In partnership with the sale, the City of Mount Vernon Tree Board will offer free trees while supplies last, including Black Cherry, Persimmon, Shumard Oak, and Bur Oak. Tree Board members will be on-site to answer questions and provide planting guidance. Larger trees are also available through special order.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the scenic setting of Riverbend Park and enjoy live jazz music performed by the Mount Vernon High School Jazz Band.

The second event, hosted by the Mount Vernon Garden Club, will take place on Tuesday, April 28th, at the Moose Lodge, located at 711 West 2nd Street. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., with the auction beginning at 4:30 p.m.

This lively event will feature both silent and live auctions with a wide selection of perennials, annuals, ferns, garden accessories, wreaths, and baked goods. New this year, guests can enjoy a “Cash and Carry” table for quick purchases. Attendees can also look forward to fun, friends, and flowers, along with door prizes throughout the evening. Admission is free.

Light refreshments will be provided by the Garden Club, and dinner will be available for purchase in the Moose Lodge dining area.

All proceeds from both events support the beautification of Mount Vernon. Both the Garden Club and Azalea Trail Committee dedicate countless hours to maintaining and enhancing the community. Their efforts include ongoing landscaping and the addition of features such as copper wind sculptures, bronze sculptures, and plantings throughout local parks, helping make Mount Vernon a more beautiful place to live.