To my way of thinking there is no prettier place than Ironton when the lilac and dogwood are in full bloom!

Doesn’t the residential area look and smell great? The fragrant lilac by my own back door brings back good memories because it comes from a root I dug and transferred from the yard of the old farmhouse where I grew up.

Ironton In Bloom wants to help our town stay as pretty as it now is all summer long, but, let’s face it, plantings are expensive. We want to help, so we’ve planned a Free Plant Exchange Day from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, May 10.

As you thin out and trim your yards over the next several days, put aside the extra plantings you won’t be needing, label them, keep them in good condition, and bring them to the Sharon Baptist Church parking lot, 2010 South 5th St., on that day. There you can visit with your neighbors, swap plants, perhaps taking home something new to plant in your own yard at no cost whatsoever.

Representatives from the Master Gardeners organization and the Ironton Garden Club will be on hand to offer planting tips.

I have some azalea and hydrangea bushes that just aren’t doing well in the spot they are planted, so I will bring them to the Exchange, hoping to trade for some perennial flower sets or bulbs.

IIB volunteers will also be selling some nice large flower pots in colors that complement the downtown floral displays which will be in place by then. These pots will make perfect Mothers’ Day gifts and can be purchased on Saturday at the church location or at the city parking lot at Second and Vernon streets. All proceeds go toward beautifying the city.

If the weather cooperates, I think it will be fun — perhaps an event we may want to make a yearly happening.

Come join us!

Judy Sanders

Ironton In Bloom