Annual Plant and Seed Exchange draws near

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Some might say a few of these folks have gone to seed.

Gardening enthusiasts take note: You may want to join them.

As spring approaches, the Plant and Seed Exchange is returning for its 10th year. The exchange is a way to share an excess of seeds, give away unwanted plants, or divide up fruitful flora. 

The idea of the free event is to share the wealth of either plants, seeds, knowledge, or all of the above.

“Our main goal is to give these plants new homes and places to thrive for people to enjoy them,” said Ashley Kehl, co-creator of the exchange alongside his wife, Jennimae Hillyard.

“We want it to be educational, too,” he continued. “A lot of that happens through people asking questions and sharing knowledge.”

What started at Quimper Grange as a sprouting success has now stemmed into something larger. Just a single table affair has become a vegetation celebration over the decade. 

“I came across Ashley and Jennimae giving away plants, seeds and information outside Quimper Grange 10 years ago,” said Marla Streator, a faithful participant who has offered praise and publicity since the beginning. “They had a small boy and a babe in arms, no canopy, just an 8-foot table and the desire to share abundance where no money changes hands.” 

“There are few community events that everyone can attend no matter what their income level and, in this case, go home with something that connects them to other gardeners and to the land,” Marla added. 

The event has moved to Shy Acre Farm in Port Townsend and will take place on Sunday, March 21. 

It will be divided into two main areas. A seed exchange space is spread along four tables, organized by their varieties. The plant exchange section hosts an array of plants, separated by the ornamental and the edible, among several more tables.

“The way we organize has stayed pretty much the same. It’s only changed a little bit in the last spring and this year because of COVID,” Ashley explained. 

Organizers of the event are taking precautions this year as they did the last. Seeds will be prepackaged and separated accordingly. Visitors can simply take what they want with minimal contact. Any plant and seed donations should be labeled beforehand. Masks are required and hand sanitizer will be provided. Social distancing and a one-way flow of traffic will also be practiced at the event. 

You don’t have to be a plant person or have extensive knowledge in the leafy genre to participate in this community-centric occasion. 

“Everyone is welcome,” Ashley said. 

“It’s been a pleasure, really,” he said of the exchange’s 10-year record of success. “We’re dedicated to having it succeed and continue. We think this is a good way forward, creating a better world through community and through plants.”