While Philly’s waiting for the last of the freezing temperatures to end, it’s a good time to start thinking about what to plant in your garden this season. Native plants are a good addition to your plot and pot. Not sure where to find some? Here are some upcoming plant sales and swaps to spruce up your garden while supporting local businesses.
LandHealth Nursery
Remember the former Greensgrow Farm in Kensington? The LandHealth Institute is taking over in partnership with the New Kensington Community Development Corporation. The institute is kicking this new era off with an opening celebration on April 12. Attendees can go on a "wonder walk" that includes snacks and plant activities led by staff. The organization has also opened plant orders. Email the nursery team for more information.
Earth Day Spring Festival
Visit the Cobbs Creek Environmental Center on April 18 to celebrate Earth Day. Make native plant “seed balls” or swap seeds with other community members, along with other activities, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.
Plant & People
It’s a plant palooza in West Philly! Plant & People is hosting its annual Big A** Plant Sale on April 26 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The street will be blocked off outside of the MLK Triangle to make way for workshops, music, and plenty of plant supplies. Interested in vending? Applications are still open.
Fairmount Park Horticulture Center
The Penn State Master Gardeners of Philadelphia County are bringing their plant sale back to Fairmount Park on April 26. Guests can browse over a hundred plants, from tasty veggies to fragrant herbs and beginner-friendly houseplants. There will also be opportunities to attend garden tours, plant demos, and workshops.
Friends of FDR Park
Stock up on pollinator plants, herbs, and more at FDR Park’s monthly plant sales. Sales will happen on April 21, May 9, June 13, May 30, and Sept. 12. Be sure to check out the Southeast Asian Market, Mercado Latino, and African American Market while you’re visiting during the weekend.
W.B. Saul High School
Support students at Philly’s agriculture high school by attending its Country Fair Day on May 2. Not only will you have the opportunity to purchase plants, but you can also receive free vegetable seeds. Stick around and see the students show off the skills they’re learning.
Germantown Food & Seeds CommUNITY Expo
The Germantown Residents for Economic Alternatives Together will lead demonstrations on living well on a budget at this event on May 2. Aside from a seed exchange, activities will also include a foraging walk and citrus juice-making workshop. All activities will be at the Wyck Historic House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Chestnut Hill Home & Garden Festival
Head further up Germantown Avenue the following day to Chestnut Hill for its annual Home & Garden Festival on May 3. Browse plants, pots, and other garden decor from over 300 vendors along the corridor.
Pennsylvania Horticultural Society
PHS hosts monthly plant swaps at its pop-up gardens in Manayunk and Graduate Hospital. Keep an eye on its calendar for other plant workshops throughout the season.
