What is a plant swap?
A plant swap is an informal gathering of people who love to garden. They bring plant plants from their own gardens to share with other gardeners. The plant swap brings together beginner gardeners all the way up to Master Gardeners.
What are the requirements for participating in the Fairfield County Plant Swap? Do I have to be a member of the New Canaan Nature Center?
There are no requirements for participating other than having a passion for plants and gardening! The New Canaan Nature Center is hosting the Fairfield County Plant Swap and has offered free admittance to swappers entering during the Plant Swap hours.
This is my first plant swap. What should I bring?
Bring one or more plants. Please follow the guidelines for container sizes and for marking your plants for identification.
I’ve been to other plant swaps but what should I bring to your plant swap?
Most plant swaps are basically the same. All you need to do is bring plants ready for swapping (refer to the plant swap guidelines).
Exactly how does the Fairfield County Plant Swap work?
When you arrive, bring your plants to the check-in table. A volunteer will determine the container size of each plant you are swapping and give you the corresponding color-coded ticket(s). Plants will then be placed in an area by container size – one quart, one gallon, and two gallon sizes each in different areas.
Once the Plant Swap officially starts, swappers will be allowed to pick out one plant for each color-coded ticket they have. For example, if you donated two one-gallon plants, you will have two green tickets. You can then go to the Green Ticket (one gallon) area and choose two different plants. Before you exit the Plant Swap area simply give your color coded tickets to the volunteer and you are ready to either enjoy the grounds of the New Canaan Nature Center or go home and plant your new plants.
Can you give me some suggestions for how I should prepare the plants before the plant swap and how to mark my plants for identification?
Bring any healthy plant that you think someone would want. Please make sure the plant is not listed on the Connecticut Invasive plant list. In order to make the Plant Swap equitable and to ensure that you leave with a plant that is essentially the same size as the one you donated, we are asking swappers to bring plants in either one-quart, one- gallon, or two-gallon containers only.
If possible, dig up plants the day before or the morning of the Plant Swap. Put them immediately in moist soil in a clean container. If you do not have old plastic plant containers on hand, you can use any other clean container that is approximately the same size as the ones specified above. For example, a recycled coffee can is similar in size to a one-quart container or a one-gallon milk jug with the top portion cut off is about the same size as a one-gallon container.
You can use permanent ink on popsicle sticks, plastic knives or anything else you can be creative with! If you do not know the Latin name, use the common name and any other pertinent information, such as sun-loving, shade plant, purple flowers, blooms from March until frost, drought tolerant, etc. If all else fails, try to find a picture of the plant on the internet and attach it to the container.
What are the hours for the Fairfield County Plant Swap?
The Plant Swap runs from 9:00 – 10:00 am. Check in begins at 8:00 am, giving you plenty of time to browse the selection of plants before the actual swapping officially starts at 9:00. At 9:00, there is often a quick rush to grab plants and they do tend to go fast. Remember you can bring plants for swapping at any time during the swap but the best selection is typically available earlier in the event.
Can I bring my children?
Yes, children are allowed, however, there are some plants that are sharp and poisonous and we do not want the children getting hurt or poisoned, so be sure to keep a very close watch on them at all times!
Can I bring my dog or other pet?
Pets are allowed on the grounds of the New Canaan Nature Center and you are welcome to bring them with you. However, we ask that you do not bring any pets into the plant swap area.
Should I bring a garden cart or wagon?
The New Canaan Nature Center will provide several garden carts for plant swappers. But if you have a garden cart or wagon of your own, feel free to bring it to help carry your plants back and forth to your vehicle. You will be glad you did!
What if it rains?
WE WILL BE THERE RAIN OR SHINE!
What is a pre-swap trade?
A pre-swap trade is a pre-arranged trade with other another gardener who is attending the Fairfield County Plant Swap. Some gardeners may be looking for certain plants to swap with other gardeners and agree ahead of time that they will bring those plants to the Plant Swap for each other.
Check out our Plants page on this website to see the list of gardeners coming to the swap who have posted what they are bringing to trade and what they are looking for. Their name and email address will be listed, as well, so you will be able to contact them.
Do I need to register what plants I am bringing in order to attend?
No. The Plants page is a service offered for swappers looking for specific plants.
Does the Fairfield County Plant Swap cost any money to attend?
ABSOLUTELY NO MONEY IS TO BE EXCHANGED. We allow swapping or trading of plants only!
Is the Fairfield County Plant Swap open to the general public?
Yes. The general public is invited, however, they must bring plants to swap in order to get into the plant swap area.
Can I stay and enjoy the nature trails and gardens at the New Canaan Nature Center after the Plant Swap?
Definitely! In addition to the numerous gardens, trails, and Visitors Center, the New Canaan Nature Center has generously offered to give swappers guided tours of their award-winning greenhouses.
Note: The Fairfield County Plant Swap is sponsored by Monica Hemingway of The Gardener’s List. Please visit the website for everything you want to know about gardening in Fairfield County.
