May is the time to try new plants in the garden or to replenish old favorites. The New Canaan Garden Club will hold its first Irwin Barn Open House and Plant Sale on Saturday, May 20 from 10:30 – 2:30. The sale features a wide variety of plants grown by Garden Club Members or provided by Sam Bridge Nursery and Greenhouses. Located in Greenwich, Sam Bridge is known throughout the area for high quality plant material. Annuals, perennials, herbs, tomato plants and hanging baskets will be for sale, along with pots pre-planted by Garden Club Members. Throughout the day, friendly and knowledgeable Garden Club members will be on hand to assist with selecting plants and advising on best planting practices.

May 20th will be a fun filled day at Irwin Park located at 848 Weed Street. From 11:00 to 1:00, children can learn the basics of seed planting with instructions on nurturing a seedling which they can take home and enjoy as it grows. Irwin Barn will be open for all to explore and baked goods and refreshments will be available for purchase. Irwin is a vibrant community gathering place for walking, jogging and exercising dogs on its environmentally friendly Flexi-Pave trails. Nestled near the entrance, the Irwin Barn awaits restoration for future community activities.

The New Canaan Garden Club manages ongoing conservation and beautification projects at Irwin including the addition of 44,000 daffodils and 42 trees. According to New Canaan Garden Club Irwin Park Committee Co-Chair Judy Neville, “As stewards of this varied habitat,
we continue our efforts to sustain the rich biodiversity of Irwin by adding plantings and trees to help protect the environment and the endangered Monarch Butterfly. Butterflies represent the essence of nature; freedom, beauty and peace. Irwin park provides an opportunity for people of all ages in our community to enjoy the changing seasons and connect with nature.”

All proceeds and donations benefit future Irwin planting projects. If you would like to become a Friend of Irwin Park or make a tax-deductible donation to support Irwin Park, please send a check payable to the Irwin Park Endowment to New Canaan Garden Club, 952 Weed Street, New Canaan, 06840