On Saturday, May 17, the Garden Club of Harvard will hold its annual plant sale on the Common from 9 a.m. to noon, rain, snow, or shine. The sale offers a wide variety of healthy perennials for both sun and shade, all grown in Harvard gardens. This year, in addition to such staples as bleeding heart, Jacob’s ladder, bee balm, phlox, peony, Shasta daisy, and a wide variety of the lovely and indestructible daylily, there will be 50 English delphinium plants, raised from seed by a club member who has had them thrive in her garden for the past several years.

Tall primroses, in white and shades of pink, are useful plants to have in a wet area of the garden. For those who like the informal look of self-sown plants, there will be a grouping of early spring bloomers. A limited number of small shrubs will be available, including a copper-leafed spirea and roses.

Herbs are always a popular item, and the selection of vegetable seedlings will feature heirloom tomatoes. Varied and unusual annuals are useful for container gardens and for added summer color in the perennial beds.

The children’s table will give young gardeners a chance to see flowers grown from seed and to learn how they can plant and care for a similar plant. They will also be able to learn how to use companion plants to ward off insects from other flowers and vegetables.

Perhaps the best bargain of the morning will be the free advice available from the many knowledgeable women selling the plants. Club members are happy to share their expertise with those just starting a garden as well as those looking for some choice additions to established beds. Proceeds from the sale support the club’s landscape projects around town and its seasonal plantings at municipal and historical buildings.