First-Ever Plant & Seed Exchange – April 26, 2025

Plant & Seed Exchange – April 26, 2025

In coordination with the Clinton Neighborhood Organization and several generous sponsors, I organized the first-ever Plant & Seed Exchange on April 26, 2025. Hosted on the school grounds of Clinton Elementary, the event welcomed between 225–250 community members on a beautiful spring morning — a true celebration of neighborly spirit, shared knowledge and green-thumb enthusiasm.

Attendees of all ages explored a wide range of offerings including:

• A Children’s & Novice Gardener Seed Starting Station
• Nature Sensory activities from Grateful Growers
• Gardening 101 led by the UNL Horticulture Club
• Free refreshments courtesy of the Salvation Army
• A Garden Book Drawing and plenty of cheerful giveaways
• My own Garden Trivia Game, hosted by Growing Traditions

The exchange tables were overflowing with everything from ornamentals, herbs and vegetables to houseplants and fruit-bearing plants. While the original idea centered on live plants, I was thrilled to see overwhelming interest in the Seed Exchange as well — and will be expanding that portion next year based on community feedback.

I certainly want to commend the 22 stellar volunteers. This event would not have been possible without all the effort from each one!

This event was made possible through a $1,000 Civic Nebraska grant, alongside tremendously, generous in-kind support from neighbors, volunteers and local groups. I’ve also secured a new website, plantexchange.org (site launching soon), to help the community stay connected and to support ongoing neighborhood greening efforts.

The success of this inaugural event was clear — not only in numbers, but in the joy, conversation and excitement it sparked. I’m already looking forward to what we’ll grow together next year.

Curious about the plants I grow and teach about? Explore some of my recent herbal articles like Cucumber, Meadowsweet, or Pine Honey.