Now that warmer weather is (occasionally) here, gardening enthusiasts in the MIT community are looking forward to tackling their perennials and other plants. Here's another thing for them to anticipate--a Plant Swap on Friday, June 13 from 11am-2pm at Kresge Auditorium, either outside or in the lobby, depending on the weather.
The idea behind the event is that many gardeners invariably end up with more than they want of certain kinds of plants, and this will be a way to share that success with others in our community. Members of the event's planning committee also hope that the Plant Swap will bring together people from all over the campus who have a common interest--even passion--for digging in the dirt.
Experts from the Physical Plant grounds department will offer advice on pruning, lawn care and pest control. MIT's landscape architect and gardeners from both Endicott House and the President's House will be on hand to offer tips and suggestions. Reference books also will be on display.
Gardeners should start to plan which perennials they want to dig and divide for the Plant Swap. Participants may also bring annual plants (perhaps those tomato plants that wouldn't fit into the vegetable garden over Memorial Day weekend), herbs, excess garden tools, plant stakes and pots, as well as house plants and cuttings.
To help organize the event, the planning committee would like to hear from all those in the MIT community who may want to participate in the Plant Swap. With this information, the committee will be better able to tailor the event to the level of interest in the community and the amount and variety of plant material that will be available that day.
The event is for gardeners at all levels of expertise, and the committee will work out a way for novices to participate. Contact Janet Snover at x8-5993 or to be added to the list of interested gardeners.
A version of this article appeared in MIT Tech Talk on April 30, 1997.
