PLPOA annual plant and garden sale, May 20

Find plants, garden supplies, yard décor, and more at the PLPOA plant and garden sale on May 20! PLPOA courtesy photo

submitted by the Pleasant Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA)

Pleasant Lake is a spring-fed lake surrounded by hills and farmland. In the 1940s, the lake was surrounded by small cottages utilized mostly by Detroiters in search of a pleasant place to spend their summers or weekends away from the bustle of city life.

Various small businesses were located on the north side of the lake, such as the Aura Inn, a hardware store, a grocery store, and later a school. A few businesses remain on the north side, such as Fredonia Grocery and The Veterinary Standard. Many of the old cottages, which were handed down through generations of the same family, have since been upgraded to permanent residences. A strong spirit of protective stewardship of the lake existed then and exists today.

In the 1960s, a group of concerned citizens formed the Pleasant Lake Property Owners Association (PLPOA). The PLPOA is dedicated to preserving lake quality, recreational uses of the water, and fishing. Data, which is collected yearly from the lake, is used as a tool in determining the health of the lake. Since 2014 PLPOA has encouraged residents and the township to support a Special District Assessment (SAD) to cover treatment of the lake to control invasive aquatic weeds. Pleasant Lake residents have supported SAD I and SAD II, and are preparing to support SAD III, which will run from 2024 to 2028.

The residents of Freedom Township, especially those living on Pleasant Lake, have held a yard/plant sale for over 15 years. The funds raised from the sale help to support protections for Pleasant Lake. The annual perennials sale includes plants, garden supplies, and yard décor — a little something for anyone interested in gardening and sprucing up their yard with wonderful plants from the beautiful gardens in Freedom Township. Popular items at this sale include perennials like astilbe, columbine, salvia, forget-me-not, larkspur, iris, and hosta; also, a variety of small saplings and more.

Plenty of garden pots, tools, and fun yard art round out the variety of items to be found. The sale will run Saturday, May 20, 9am–1pm at the Freedom Township Hall, 11508 Pleasant Lake Rd, Manchester. For more information or to donate items to the sale, contact Beth Heuser at (734) 428-8040.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.