My mom sent me a meme the first week of April, saying, “You probably think it’s April, but actually, it’s the 106th of January.” Here in Fairbanks, our April showers are more likely to be snow than rain, but the promise of spring can be found inside many of our homes, shops, garages, and community garden centers. Veggie and flower seeds are germinating, their green heads sprouting up from enriched soil, preparing for the eventual arrival of summer.

There are many health benefits to reap from gardening at home. Regardless of how big or small your operation is, you’re more likely to include your homegrown crops in your weekly meals and snacks. It’s common knowledge that including more fruits and veggies in your diet has a plethora of positive impacts on your health, but it’s also more fun and rewarding to eat veggies that you’ve personally grown. If you’re participating in Wellworks, the employee wellness program, you can visit the Wellbeats portion of that platform for easy and tasty recipes that are perfect for incorporating your bounty. If you’re looking for an easy way to start your gardening hobby, try this Salad Bowl Garden that only takes one big pot!

Gardening at home will get you outside and allow you to incorporate more activity into your day. Spending time outdoors is great for your mental and physical health. Increasing our activity and time in nature are great ways to manage stress and improve mood. Gardening will make your body move in functional ways that resemble a full-body workout. If movement is challenging for you, there are many ways to modify gardening to make it accessible for almost anyone. Here are three helpful tips from the Hospice Plant Sale team of gardening experts that will set you up for success and enjoying this activity all season long.Speaking of the Hospice Plant Sale, mark your calendars for the 41st annual sale on Saturday, May 27th, at the Hospice Greenhouse at 2000 Turner Street from 9 am – 3 pm. This event is a yearly fundraiser coordinated almost entirely by dedicated volunteers from our community that have a shared love of gardening, a huge appreciation for the Hospice Services team, and a desire to ensure final wishes are granted to hospice patients.

100% of the proceeds from this sale go directly to support patients receiving compassionate end-of-life care from the FHP team of nurses, social workers, and volunteers. Funds have been used to provide many forms of assistance, including caregiver respite services, groceries, lifeline payments, and equipment that allows patients to remain in comfortable and familiar surroundings of their homes during their final phase of life.

See more information about this event, including updates on the Hospice Plant Sale 2023 Facebook page or our website.

Donating items for the sale Donations of 4” pots, six-packs, starter plants, vegetables, perennials, annuals, hanging baskets, trees, shrubs, house plants, and dirt, as well as lawn & garden tools and décor can be delivered to the Hospice Greenhouse from now until the day before the plant sale. Please hold off on bringing houseplants to the greenhouse until after May 15th. Just leave your items outside the fence near the gate. Volunteers regularly swing by and will bring items into the greenhouse.

Shopping at the sale? Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 27th at 9:00 am and get in line early to shop a vast selection of plants, trees, shrubs, tools, and garden décor!