Volunteer Gardening Day Set for Saturday

We can never be sure, but it seems to be spring in East Lansing. With spring comes gardening, and the City of East Lansing is inviting gardeners of all skill levels to participate in a volunteer gardening day at the East Lansing Hannah Community Center (ELHCC), 819 Abbot Road, this Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m.-noon. 

In addition to helping to prepare the landscape gardens around ELHCC for the spring and summer, volunteers will have the chance to learn from Diane Bennett, a consulting rosarian with the Greater Lansing Rose Society. Bennett plans to speak with volunteers about the proper care of roses, particularly in the transition from winter to new spring growth. 

“We hope community members will consider volunteering their time during this fun, community-building effort,” said East Lansing Parks, Recreation & Arts Assistant Director Wendy Wilmers Longpre. “In exchange for their help, volunteers will be able to gain insightful knowledge on the care of roses from a local expert.”

City staff tells ELi that tools will be provided, but they encourage volunteers to come with their own gloves and favorite hand pruners, loppers, or other hand tools.

Participants who are Master Gardeners will receive both educational and volunteer gardening credit. 

If you have questions, you are invited to call Longpre at (517) 319-6940. The event is weather dependent. If questionable weather exists on Saturday, volunteers can call (517) 319-6940 to check and see if the volunteer gardening day will still be taking place.