MONROE — Mother’s Day is fast approaching and local organizers want to help with some gift ideas that also contribute to a vital local cause.
Green Haven, an advocate for domestic violence victims and prevention, is hosting its annual Mother’s Day Plant sale on the square downtown and in Monticello. The sale will run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, May 12, and from 8 a.m. to Noon on Saturday, May 13. The Monroe site for the event is on the North Side of the Square at First National Bank, while the Monticello site is at Voegeli Chevrolet.
Each year it takes plenty of volunteers and donation to make the sale happen and it makes up a big chunk of Green Haven’s annual fundraising, according to Erika Borowitz, community response advocate for the non-profit. Featured are various greenhouse-quality annuals and perennials from Ahrens Acres in Brodhead that are perfect for spring planting.
“We are hoping for a good turnout it’s always a popular event,” she said.
Among the many plants, one of the most popular, she said is what is known as a “mosquito plant” — essentially a citronella-scented geranium that is known to keep the blood-sucking pests at bay during the warm summer months.
“You can even take the leaves and apply it to your face and skin,” for a totally natural mosquito repellent, she said.
A popular aspect of the sale is its Kid’s Corner. That is where kids can pick out a plant, and a pot for mom that comes with a Happy Mother’s Day card.
It debuted at last years show and was a huge hit, she added.
“They pick out a flower and we have different size pots for them to choose,” she said. “We usually sell out of those.”
Other offerings include hanging baskets and big potted plants. All the plants were trucked via semi tractor-trailer — donated by Klondike Cheese — from Ahrens to the two sites. The Monticello Lion’s Club also helps with the event in that town.
Not only is a chance to get some Mother’s Day shopping done, but Borowitz said it helps spread awareness that the organization is there if needed in a domestic violence situation.
“Not everyone knows who we are and this helps,” with that, she said.
