Dear Editor:

A big thank you is extended to all who made the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library Plant Sale and Silent Auction a huge success.

The stars, of course, are the plants and this year we had 600 of them; beautiful perennials donated by individuals who dug and potted from their own gardens, ensuring that the plants were hardy to Maine, vegetable seedlings lovingly nurtured for the sale, annuals and lovely potted containers of herbs and annuals to be taken home and enjoyed. Special thanks to Anna Apollonio, Liz Lussier and Sue Mello, who contributed over 70 plants each; to Pauline Dion's Mom, who grew over 100 tomato and pepper seedlings for us, and to B.J. Dobson, who donated plants, the pricing labels and with her expert plant knowledge, helped price the plants.

A debt of gratitude goes to the local businesses, individuals and organizations who contributed to the silent auction: pottery artist Alison Evans, Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Brown's Wharf, Conley's Garden Center, Dunton's Dog House, Gold/Smith Gallery, Good n' You Fuel & Service, Grover's Hardware, Hammond Lumber, Hawke Motors, John's Lawns, Mama D's, Jordan Construction, Reny Construction, E.M. Wood Construction, Seagate Motel, North of the Border, and Walmart. And to Ames Supply, Home Depot and Lowe's, who through their master gardener programs donated potting soil.

It couldn't have been done though without those who donated pots, items for the flea market table and those who gave their time to set up, price plants, sell items, and put everything away after the sale. Elena Smith saved the day with a loan of five tables on which to place plants. Master gardener Sue Mello answered plant questions and helped people select the right plant for their space. And, of course, the Conlin children, Patrick, Nora, Iris and Desmond, who hauled plants for set up and helped people carry their plants to their cars.

There are some leftover plants from the sale on a table on the library lawn by the portico, so stop by, purchase a plant and continue to support the community jewel that is our library.

Bonnie Ginger

Boothbay