Green thumbs and budding gardeners alike have a reason to celebrate this weekend. The Garden District's annual Spring Perennial Exchange, presided over by 13th District Alderman Scott Spiker, is set to bloom again this Saturday, from 10 a.m. to noon, taking root at 6th and Norwich, just a stone's throw away from 6th and Howard.
Participants with a penchant for flora are encouraged to bring and trade plants, ensuring they come properly labeled with name, height, and color—a task made easy by the organizers. Besides, bulbs, seeds, tools, and even decorative items suitable for the garden can be shared or swapped. Though primarily a plant-exchange event, gardeners can also pocket selective perennials, annuals, and vegetable plants by shelling out $2-$10, perfect for the gardener looking to bolster their green space on the cheap, according to the official event announcement released by the City of Milwaukee.
The timing of the event couldn't be more opportune, falling just before Mother's Day. For those shopping for a bit of nature to gift mom, gift-wrapping is on offer to make the green gifts ready to be the Sunday surprise. "The Perennial Exchange is one of my favorite events of the spring, as residents from the 13th District and nearby areas connect over their shared passion for gardening and home beautification," Alderman Spiker told the city's press. The Garden District Neighborhood Association and its volunteers receive kudos from Alderman Spiker for their annual efforts to cultivate this event.
No matter the weather, the event will take place. If it rains, the floral festivities will move to the shelter of the water tower at 4001 S. 6th St. The exchange will go on as planned, rain or shine, as indicated in the event flyer issued by the City of Milwaukee.
