The Martinsville-Henry County Historical Society will host “Plant Swap with Holly Kozelsky” on Saturday, October 14, at the Historic Henry County Courthouse, 1 East Main Street. An optional potluck luncheon will begin inside at noon with the plant swap following at 1 p.m. on the brick Plaza.
Attendees will trade plants, seeds, cuttings, divisions, tools, pots, fun, and conversation with other interested gardeners. However, folks do NOT have to bring items to trade to participate as gardeners love nothing better than to share plants and advice. New gardeners are especially welcome. Parking is available around the old courthouse and in the Bridge and Depot streets parking lots. Volunteers will be available to help load and unload. Forty FREE perennials – phlox (a native plant easy to grow and common at old house sites), purple coneflower (echinacea), or iris – will be given away, one per person while supplies last.
“The origins of plant swaps can be traced back to the late 19th century when American gardeners began exchanging plants and seeds with each other,” said John Phillips, president of the Historical Society. “This informal system of sharing allowed gardeners to expand their collections and diversify their gardens. Our new executive director, Holly Kozelsky, hosted a plant swap at her home for many years. We are fortunate to now host it with her in a more convenient location.”
There is no charge to participate or attend, made possible by corporate sponsors, Carter Bank & Trust and The Lester Group. The Historic Henry County Courthouse is fully handicapped accessible. The Martinsville-Henry County Heritage Center & Museum will be open during the event.