Share wealth of your garden at garden exchange

By Eric Barrett

OSU Ext. educator

There are thousands of beautiful gardens throughout the Mahoning Valley. If you are lucky enough to have one of these, we’d like to see you share the wealth — of plants, that is! And, your love of gardening.

Thus, the OSU Extension Master Gardener Volunteers are hosting their annual “Bring One, Take One” perennial flower and seed exchange Saturday at Canfield Fairgrounds in front of the pumpkin building.

Plant unloading and plant identification starts at 9 a.m. You’ll learn about the real name of the plants and get to scope out the offerings at the exchange.

One person described last year’s event as a land rush. But it really is quite tranquil and everyone gets at least one plant to take home. Most people took several last year.

Any person who wishes to participate in the exchange should bring plants, seeds or bulbs to share. Your items should be labeled with as much information as you have about the plant so the new owner will know the name, planting instructions, color and bloom seasons, etc. All perennials, plants and flowers are welcomed, even houseplants and water plants!

In addition to the Plant Exchange, there will be an exchange of shovels, gardening tools, aprons, ceramic pots, unopened soil & fertilizer and garden decorations. Bring any of these items and see what you can exchange for them. The items must be in good condition, clean and usable. Please, no recyclable containers.

The rules for the exchange are as follows: each person bringing an item will be asked to obtain one plant, bulb or seed package at the ringing of the bell. If additional items remain, each person will be asked to obtain a second item at the next ringing of the bell. If additional items remain, each person will be asked to obtain a third item at the next ringing of the bell, and so on until all items have been distributed fairly. The rules are to maintain fairness for all participants.

For more information, visit go.osu.edu/plantexchange.