RHF Plant Swap slated for Saturday

The Regional Healthcare Foundation is sponsoring their Third Annual Spring Plant Swap this Saturday, April 26 at Cox Corner at the corner of Walnut Street and Business 60.

The Plant Swap event invites all gardeners, as well as those who wish they were more accomplished at gardening, to donate any special cuttings, garden supplies, or books on gardening for the swap. At the same time, the public is invited to come select these donated items to take home for a nominal donation. All proceeds from the Plant Swap will go toward the Foundation's Mother to Mother Program, which mentors young mothers and encourages them toward further education.

This year, a minimum of four gardeners who have attained the status of Master Gardener will be on hand to advise guests regarding gardening techniques.

A check-in time for all donated cuttings and items has been set from 8 a.m. on Saturday until 10 a.m., with the Swap to begin at 10:30 a.m.

Patty Shell, who helps to organize the Plant Swap, said that seedlings should be wrapped in moistened newspaper.

"Green thumb consultants and Master Gardeners will be on hand to visit will all in attendance and to give that extra bit of advice that many gardeners need this time of year," she added.

The Missouri Master Gardener program is sponsored by the University of Missouri Extension. Through the program, gardeners receive classroom training to become a Master Gardener volunteer in partnership with Extension Service. More than 2,000 active Missouri Master Gardeners currently serve as Extension volunteers in towns and cities throughout Missouri. With a mission to train volunteers to educate others about safe, effective and sustainable horticultural practices that build healthy gardens, landscapes, and communities, the program strives to "help others learn to grow."The Plant Swap is free to the public, but donations will be accepted to fund continuing activities of the local Mother to Mother program.

For additional information, contact Shell at 820-5232, Yvonne Hall at 614-2539, Melinda Sweeney at 820-3021 or Teresa Overall at 820-5770.