A Local Plant Swap—You In?

South Pas resident Michelle Hammond has started a local garden support and swap group on meetup.com.

"I've been pleasantly surprised at the positive response," she wrote to Patch in an email. "Since South Pasadena doesn't have a community garden ... I thought this would be a great idea in the interim."

Hammond says 20 people signed up in the first four days. The group is now up to 27 members. 

She writes on Meetup.com: 

I started this swap when, for the second year in a row my son asks "What are we going to do with all this extra lettuce!!" which then sets me off around town dropping bags of it to friends, babysitters, etc. I thought there's got to be a better way to do this. I was always looking for a way to connect with the community and exchange my extras so I decided to start one before my son beat me to it!

I am a mother of two young children that has been working at trying to live more sustainably, and passing that knowledge on to my kids. Funny that a lot of times it's the kids that are teaching me! I am looking for more like-minded people in the area to meet and share experiences, learn from each others strengths and weaknesses. We will exchange knowledge, fruits, veggies, seeds, cuttings, gear, labor for land use, buy in bulk. We will gather to swap, and potluck, or arrange "field trips" to learn more about interest related subjects from experts. You do not have to have a garden or children to be part of this group, just an interest in growing food and building a supportive community around you!

The next swap will be 10 a.m. April 21. You can join HERE. 

Do you think a plant swap is a good alternative to a community garden?