Do you have a plant that isn’t sparking joy? Bring it to Philadelphia Horticultural Society’s (PHS) monthly Plant Swaps at the PHS Pop Up Garden at South Street. This free family-friendly event is a monthly Happy Hour for plants that could use a new life and an opportunity to meet fellow gardeners that can use a $5 margarita.

Sponsored by Solo Real Estate for the 4th consecutive year, the PHS Pop Up Garden on South Street is resuming its popular in-person plant swap programming this month after a brief hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The PHS Plant Swaps offer attendees a chance to swap their unwanted plants and clippings for a new plant to bring home while meeting other plant enthusiasts. PHS will also have Master Gardeners from various horticultural organizations in attendance who will help identify plants and provide tips to keep them healthy. Register to attend the first plant swap on July 20, 2021 by clicking here.

How does it work?

Arrive early if you wish to be among the first to pick out whatever you want from the swapping table. Don’t bring dead or sick plants, just ones that are no longer perky or that you no longer want. If you bring cuttings, put them in a small bag. For larger cuttings, wrap the roots in a damp paper towel. Label them with the name of the plant and care instructions.

Once the event starts participants will put plants on the table and everyone will walk around browsing and choosing what plants to swap. If you prefer, you can hold onto your plants and try to make specific trades.
Remember, plant lovers expect an equal trade. They are not going to swap their rare orchid for a spider plant clipping. If you want something exotic, bring something of equal value. Only take as many plants as you bring. If there are leftovers and you stay around to the end, you may take more. Those who don’t have any plants to share should wait until the end before choosing a plant. PHS also brings in plants to give away during these events to make sure there’s plenty to go around. If you take home a plant and it doesn’t work out, bring it back to the next Plant Swap.

Plant Swap Schedule

Tues July 20 – Rain Date Mon July 26
Tues Aug 3 – Rain Date Mon Aug 9
Tues Sept 7 – Rain Date Mon Sept 13
Tues Oct 5 – Rain Date Mon Oct 11
*The Plant Swaps will be held monthly from 6 to 8 pm. Come by to swap a plant, meet the Solo team and enjoy beer, cocktails & food until the garden closes at 10pm!

Become a Master Gardener

Do you live in Philly and love gardening? You can become a Master Gardener. The Penn State Master Gardener Program is a volunteer program that educates on best practices in sustainable horticulture and environmental stewardship. The next training class starts in October 2021. 

No prior experience is required. All volunteers go through 40-60 hours of Basic Training in horticultural science. Trainees must then complete 50 hours of volunteer service within their first year to achieve their official Master Gardener certification. Master Gardeners maintain their certification by completing 20 hours of volunteer service and 10 hours of continuing education each year. Want to learn more? Attend an info session and see if this is for you.

Whether you’re a new plant parent or a seasoned master gardener, ultimately Plant Swaps are about community. To see what the excitement is all about, join us for an upcoming plant swap or check out the Philly Plant Exchange group on Facebook where fellow local gardening enthusiasts regularly swap plants, cuttings and share success stories.