Jefferson County Extension to Host First Annual Perennial Swap

Are you a plant lover who wants to connect with other gardening enthusiasts in our area? Do you have perennials that need to be divided? Join us for the First Annual Perennial Plant Swap, hosted by Iowa State University Extension and Outreach for Jefferson County on Saturday, September 13 from 10-11 AM. where you can expand your garden with new plants and learn how to care for perennials.

All you need to do is bring one or more perennial plants. Some examples include the following: flowers, such as black-eyed Susan, columbine, or coneflowers; bulbs, such as tulips or iris; herbs, such as chives or oregano; or fruit or vegetable plants, like strawberries or rhubarb. You will divide these extras from your garden or yard to exchange with others for the perennials that they bring. Please be sure to bring healthy perennials. It is easy to bring them in a nursery pot, cardboard box, or sturdy bag. If known, label the plants by name, size, sun/shade, bloom time, height or other important information. If unknown, Extension staff will be able to help identify these at the swap.

If you do not have perennial plants from your garden to divide, it’s no problem. You can still come learn about the perennials on hand and take a plant home. Extension staff will help to educate and provide materials on your new perennials, so that everyone will leave being educated on the care of their new plants. If you have extra cardboard boxes, flats, or bags to take your new perennials home in, please bring them.

There is no cost to attend this event; however, we do ask that participants please register in advance, so that Extension staff can prepare for the number of participants. Registration can be completed online at https://go.iastate.edu/ZIUJBO or by calling the Jefferson County Extension Office at 641-472-4166. For questions, please reach out to the Extension Office by phone or by emailing xjefferson@iastate.edu.