Early birds get the free plants in Libertyville

Areas outside Cook Memorial Public Library in downtown Libertyville were torn apart Friday morning, with dirt and other evidence scattered in the parking lot and sidewalks.

Don't worry, it wasn't vandalism. The handiwork was courtesy of at least 30 people who took up the library on its offer of free plants before a major construction project launches this summer.

Hostas, day lillies, vinca and spirea were the available plants on the library's north and west sides starting at 7:30 a.m. The event was scheduled to run until 9:30 a.m., but just a little of the vinca ground cover remained at 8 a.m.

Visitors were more than prepared with garden gloves, hoes, shovels and containers.

Gail Tanimura of Long Grove, a master gardener at University of Illinois Extension in Grayslake, said she was pleased by the library's decision to save the plants instead of allowing them to be ruined during the construction.

Tanimura, who drives Cook Memorial's bookmobile, said the plants should fare nicely at their new owners' homes.

"The sooner you get them in the ground, the better," Tanimura said. "If not, you have to keep them moist."

Jay Johnson of Lake Zurich and his wife, Frankie, were among the visitors who arrived early to the plant giveaway to assure themselves of the best selection.

At least 10 hostas filled the back of the Johnsons' minivan. Hostas vary in price, but Jay Johnson believes his haul at Cook Memorial could have saved him about $200.

"Usually, when they do reconstruction stuff, they just tear up the landscaping and get rid of it," he said.

None of the library's large shrubs or trees were eligible for removal. The library had an employee on hand to make sure to right plants were taken.

Inquiries about the fate of the plants because of the construction prompted the library staff to hold the giveaway. Some visitors at Friday's event remarked how they were pleased to have a piece of Cook Memorial as they departed.

Cook Memorial receptionist Lisa Rusch said the turnout was stronger than she had expected.