Gardening Bulb And Seed Swap Slated

By Nancy K. Crevier

Trinity Production, a nonprofit organization with programs to benefit mind, body, and spirit wellness, is hosting a Gardening and Bulb Swap, Saturday, April 30, on Keating Farms Road at the site of the Fairfield Hills summer Farmers’ Market, between the new municipal building and Woodbury Hall. Registration will be at 9:45 am, with the swap scheduled to start “at 10 am sharp,” said Trinity Production President Cindy Miller.

“Gardening is great for sustaining, and for good health,” said Ms Miller, and Trinity Production has been involved in many gardening projects around the state, including building a garden for the soup kitchen in Westport. The April 30 swap is open to anyone who loves gardening, and any gardening-related item can be brought along to trade.

“You can bring books, tools, or any gardening item in good repair,” said co-organizer of the event and head of Trinity Production’s Giant Steps gardening program at the VA center in West Haven, John Passander. Tools do not need to be new, he said, but should be in good repair. “Anything you have an extra of, you can bring to trade,” said Mr Passander.

Annual or perennial flower or vegetable plants in good health, bulbs, and seeds can be swapped with fellow gardeners at the event. “Even tulip or daffodil or other fall bulbs are fine,” said Mr Passander. “Those can be stored over the summer, or even planted now.”

Indoor bulbs, such as amaryllis bulbs are fine, as are other houseplants, Ms Miller added.

Vegetable and flower seeds are perfect for this time of year. “The seeds would be heirloom varieties, preferably, and organic. We’re not that strict, but we are discouraging hybrid seeds,” she said.

Seeds and plants should be labeled accurately, said the event organizers. “Instructions for planting and care would be helpful, and information on the mature plant, like how tall or wide it will get, if it likes shade or sun, or other important information should be included,” Ms Miller said.

The gardening swap is an opportunity for gardeners to get together and share experiences and gardening tips, too, she said. Participants can also take part in a raffle to win a garden themed prize.

There is a $5 entry fee for participants, and at least one gardening item to swap must be brought to the event. The entry fee will benefit Trinity Production programs.

“Remember, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure,” said Mr Passander, noting that the Gardening Bulb and Seed Swap is the perfect place for those unused items piling up in the tool shed.

For more information, visit the website www.trinityproduction.org, e-mail trinity@trinityproduction.org, or call 203-426-9448.