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Since becoming the county coordinator for the Washington County Master Gardner Volunteers, one of my favorite OSU programs is our annual Bring One Take One Plant and Seed exchange. In my opinion, this is one of the most fun events we implement at OSU Extension, and not just within the Master Gardener program. The weather is always great, the selection is wonderful, the atmosphere is full of excitement, and the entire event only last around 20 minutes, which is great because participants have plenty of time to properly care for your new vegetative companions when you return home.
Saturday, Aug. 26, the exchange returns to the Upper Muskingum River Park, 500 block of Front Street, in Marietta. There are usually an average of over 60 participants, so there will be plenty of great choices to bring home to brighten up your residence. If you have extra shovels, gardening tools, aprons, ceramic pots, unopened soil & fertilizer, and garden decorations bring them along and see what you can exchange for it! These items must be in good condition. The exchange will promptly start at 10 a.m. and participants can start arriving with their plants or gardening items at 9 am.
Even if you do not have anything to exchange, we still encourage people to come out to participate. For the second year in a row, Lowes of Marietta will be donating two dozen plants! Last year, their plants were quickly gobbled up. We cannot thank Lowes of Marietta enough for their kind contributions and backing over the years. They are always willing and quick to offer support or help in any capacity. Thank You!
To maintain fairness for all participants, here are the rules for the exchange:
1. ROUND ONE: At the ringing of the bell, each person will be asked to obtain one plant, bulb, seeds, or gardening item and take it back to his/her original starting spot.
2. ROUND TWO: The bell will ring for a second time once participants are lined up and ready. Each person will be asked to obtain a second item and take it back to his/her original starting spot.
3. ROUND THREE: The bell will ring for a third and FINAL time once participants are lined up and ready. There is no limit on how many remaining items each person can grab.
4. Starting Point: The starting point is the sidewalk along Front Street.
5. Plants must be disease and insect free.
We are expecting good weather for the ninth year in a row, so come on out and have a little morning fun playing with plants!
I would like to thank the following Master Gardener volunteers who help to make this program such a fun and meaningful event over the years: Kim Henry, Carol Greening, Sharon Dye, Darlene Leonhart, Jan Whitney, Juanita Baker, Anita Beeney, Lynnea Schafer and Erica Wallace, among many more.
Overview: Plant and Seed Exchange
Date: Aug. 26
Where: Upper Muskingum River Park, 500 Block Front Street, Marietta
Time: promptly starts at 10 a.m., can bring plants starting at 9 a.m.
Marcus McCartney is the OSU Extension Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator for Washington County. He has been with Extension since 2014. Marcus received both his bachelor's and master's degrees from West Virginia University.