Gardening enthusiasts in Jefferson County are invited to the Second Annual Perennial Plant Swap, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for Jefferson County on Wednesday, September 9th from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
The event gives participants a chance to expand their gardens by exchanging perennial plants with other local gardeners. Those interested in participating are asked to bring one or more perennial plants from their own garden or yard to swap with others. Examples of eligible plants include flowers such as black-eyed Susans, columbine, or coneflowers, bulbs such as tulips or iris, herbs such as chives or oregano, fruit or vegetable plants like strawberries or rhubarb, or seeds.
Plants should be healthy and can be brought in a nursery pot, cardboard box, or sturdy bag. If known, participants are encouraged to label plants with information such as name, size, sun or shade preference, bloom time, and height. Extension staff will be available to help identify any unlabeled plants at the swap.
Those who do not have plants to bring are still welcome to attend, learn about the perennials on hand, and take a plant home. Extension staff will provide educational materials on the care of any new plants participants take home.
The event is free to attend, but advance registration is requested so Extension staff can prepare. Registration is available online at go.iastate.edu/I5KUGX or by calling the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166. Those with questions can also email xjefferson@iastate.edu. Participants are also encouraged to bring extra cardboard boxes, flats, or bags to take their new plants home.
