Most gardeners love a great bargain — especially when it comes to plants and gardening supplies. I invite you to check out the Master Gardener Volunteer Perennial Plant and Barn Sale next Saturday, May 5, at the Gateway Learning Gardens in Springfield.

The Ohio State University Extension’s MGVs have worked hard to find some cool and unique plants as well as divided some of the great plants from their gardens and our display gardens. You’ll find seeds, ground covers, herbs, assorted perennials and a selection of new and unusual perennials.

In addition, since it’s also a barn sale, we have collected a bunch of garden supplies, tools, art, decor and other things that are gently used to sell as well as some new garden items.

Our volunteers will be on hand to answer gardening questions and to assist you with selecting plants for your garden and to answer gardening questions.

Come join us from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. next Saturday in the Gateway Learning Gardens, at 4400 Gateway Blvd., Springfield.

Maple helicopters

Last week I mentioned several problems that I am seeing in the garden, but I didn’t mention one that you are probably experiencing right now, especially if you have maples.

The maples bloomed in mid-February and a great majority of the flowers were pollinated. In addition, with the warm weather and no freezes in March, the seeds developed quite nicely and seed set on maples is quite heavy this year.

The seeds on maples are called samaras but many know them affectionately as helicopters. As they fall to the ground, they whirl and spin, just like a helicopter blade.

These seeds will germinate this year if they land in the right spot. Unfortunately, this could be flower beds, yards and even rain gutters that haven’t been cleaned.

You will likely find some of these seedlings no matter where you live, because maples are everywhere and the seeds fly with the wind.

Pam Corle-Bennett is an Ohio State University Extension horticulture educator and the state Master Gardener volunteer coordinator.