Great Perennial Divide
What is the Great Perennial Divide?
For nearly 15 years, backyard gardeners from throughout the St. Louis region have turned their trowels into weapons against urban decline by donating thousands of plants dug from their own yards during the Great Perennial Divide (GPD). Plants donated by these gardeners are made available FREE to more than 200 Gateway Greening Community Gardens and citizen-managed green spaces in the inner city core. These beautiful gardens are located on formerly abandoned land in the heart of neighborhoods, boulevards, schoolyards and street entrances.
Why do we do it?
Gateway Greening Gardens help erase criminal activity from vacant lots, increase property values, bring people together in safe places and teach children to be care givers.
How does it work?
- Backyard gardeners pot up extra perennial divisions and take them to a nearby collection site.
- Volunteer dig crews are available for donors who cannot physically dig plants or who have a large quantity of plants. There must be 2-3 hours of work for 4-6 volunteers.
- Gateway Greening Gardens register for the event and are assigned a timeslot to receive consultation from Master Gardener volunteers and make appropriate plant selections.
- Plants are planted immediately in community gardens in ornamental borders, butterfly gardens or entrance plots.
When does it happen?
- Plant collection sites open late April
- Set-up for GPD, Tuesday-Thursday before GPD (3-hour shifts)
- The Great Perennial Divide, 1st Saturday of May & Friday before
What volunteer activities are involved?
- Join a dig/potting crew and visit local private gardens
- Host a collection site or volunteer at one in your neighborhood
- Have a trailer? Help pickup and deliver plants
- Set-up for GPD
- Assist with distribution at GPD itself
What kinds of plants are needed?
Plants needed are hardy, Missouri natives, sun perennials, rock plants, ground covers, shade perennials, iris, hosta, daylilies (not orange), and more!
Who is eligible to receive plants?
Pre-registration is restricted to GGI Gardens that have gone through either the Community or Youth Garden Grant Program. Non-member gardens are invited to contact GGI and request to be notified regarding leftover plant material.
Interested in volunteering? Please contact Hannah Reinhart, Community Development Coordinator, or call her at 588-9600 ext. 106 for more information.
Recent Photos
