Local gardeners will have the chance to barter for in-demand, rare and even bizarre plant seed varieties at the second annual First Baptist Church of Cedar Hill Seed Exchange on March 16.
Organizer Debbie Hamby said those who want to expand their gardens and meet like-minded gardeners should enjoy the event, to be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the church, 8265 Local Hillsboro Road.
“I try to encourage people to bring seeds and share them with other people,” Hamby said. “We all just love talking about growing things. It’s a really nice group of people. We had a blast last year.”
Hamby said the church helped make the last year’s seed exchange a success by providing the space, tables and volunteers.
“I so appreciate the people there at the church,” Hamby said. “They really stepped up and helped me out. I can’t express my gratitude for those people; they’re wonderful.”
Hamby said tables will be available to display seed varieties and seedling trays. Some of the common plant varieties that will be available at the exchange include fruits, vegetables, perennials and annuals.
“You can look through everyone’s stuff and see what you like,” she said. “You’ll always find something different.”
Hamby said she collects seeds year-round from her garden and volunteer plants she comes across for the exchange.
She said a gardening basket will be given away as an attendance prize. The basket will include tools and homemade soap from a local crafter.
In addition to meeting other gardeners and acquiring seeds, Hamby said attending the event is a good way to save money.
“Everything is just so expensive, it’s great if you can do your own gardening,” she said. “Saving seeds is a part of that. In getting ready for the season, with the gardening I do, I can easily spend about $300. It really saves a lot of money if you save your seeds.”
Even those who attend do not have seeds to trade are welcome at the event, Hamby said, adding that they’ll still have the chance to exchange gardening tips and discuss the upcoming growing season.
“It’s a lot of fun. Everybody sits and talks about plants and growing stuff and what they grew this year, and what they plan to grow,” she said.