Petunia’s Marketplace (2010 N Madison) — a favorite neighborhood business and cornerstone vendor at the Emerson-Garfield Farmers’ Market — announced at the February meeting of the Emerson-Garfield Neighborhood Council that the shop would be starting a seed lending library.

A seed lending library operates on the same basic principle as a book library. That is, you check out the types of available seed that you would like to plant, and you return some of that same type of seed in the autumn. And, like a book library, you can check out those seeds at no cost. It’s a great way to experiment with new plants and enhance your garden without spending a lot of money on new seeds. Plus, as the library resources grow, you can find the right kind of seeds that will work best for your particular garden plot.

But the seed library isn’t all that Petunia’s is doing. In the coming months, the shop will be holding several special sales and gardening events.

This Saturday (March 21), Petunia’s will host a class called, “What to plant to feed the bees from spring to frost,” taught by an experienced apiarist. Given that bees are so crucial to pollination, the right type of sustaining, attractive plants can make the difference between a garden that flourishes and one that withers. It runs from 9–11am. Cost is $10.

On Saturday, April 11, you can learn how to successfully transplant your delicate starts from their pots to your garden soil. Again, that class will run from 9–11am and cost $10.

Local master gardener Steve Nokes will teach a basic course titled “Vegetables 101” on Wednesday, April 22 from 6:30–7:30pm. That also costs $10. It’s great for beginners as well as longtime gardeners looking for tips.

There will be a (free) Master Gardener Plant Sale & Garden Fair on Saturday, April 25. That runs from 9am–2pm and will see participation from the Master Gardener Program at the WSU Extension.

And on Saturday, May 2, it’s the opening day of Petunia’s greenhouse. That will coincide with the shop’s Chocolate & Flower Festival, which runs from 9am–4pm.

These classes could fill up fast! To request more info or to reserve a spot, contact Stacy or Bev on (509) 328-4257 or reach out via Petunia’s Facebook page.