Main Library to host annual plant exchange

10/1/2013

To gardeners, there's one thing better than getting plants they don't already have: Getting plants they don't already have for free.

There is no guarantee that will happen for everyone at Saturday's free Plant Exchange, but hope springs eternal. The ninth Plant Exchange will be at 10 a.m. sharp (lines begin forming at 9 a.m.) in the Main Library's parking garage on Adams Street just off Michigan Street.

Typically seen are hostas, daylilies, daisies, coneflowers, rose of sharon, ground covers, ferns, sedums, houseplants, books, natives, bulbs, grasses, and often gallon bags of llama poop, thanks to a couple who raise said beasts.

Organized by volunteers from many walks of life, Toledo's Plant Exchanges are usually held on the first Saturdays in October and May. Master gardeners are on hand to answer questions, and several booths will provide information on related topics. In May, the event moved to the Main Library's parking garage, which offers covered space, free parking, an indoor sandwich shop on the same level as the garage, and a strong selection of gardening books from ajuga to zinnia.

Early attendance is strongly recommended because the hundreds of donated items are picked over within the first 20 minutes.

People donating plants should drop them off at the far end of the garage beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday and obtain a wristband, securing their place in line. They will receive tickets for each item they bring plus five tickets just for showing up. Things wind down by 10:30 a.m. and shortly before the ending time of 11, organizers often allow participants to take whatever's left.

People who do not bring plants to share will receive tickets for five free plants.