Team Volunteers at Local Garden Swap 

Columbia, SC- The 10th annual Forest Heights Community Plant Swap took place on Saturday, May 20th on the grounds of Haskell Heights First Baptist Church. The scattered rain showers that started at 9:30 am could not hold back these eager gardeners who showed up to swap their extra house plants, herbs, annuals, perennials, or shrubs and take home literally car loads of new treasures. This garden exchange, hosted by the Forest Heights Neighborhood Association, began with the vision of Marie Pearson and Marie Martin who have all been celebrated by the community for the beauty of their home gardens and their willingness to share what they grow with others in the neighborhood and throughout the Columbia area. For many years, these ladies visited garden events hosted by the Columbia Garden Club and other organizations in the midlands, but they yearned to have something similar in their own community. Soon, the Forest Heights Community Plant Swap was born. However, the swap is not limited to residents of the community, people travel from all over town even as far as Hopkins, Blythewood and Winnsboro to attend this annual event. 

Members of a local community robotics team, FRC Team #9315 Coding Comets began showing up at 9:00am to serve as volunteers. Team members set up tables, sorted seeds, accepted and labeled plants, helped participants load their items into their cars, and some were there long after to help clear the church grounds when the event was over. It was the perfect display of cross-generational giving and caring that is seldom witnessed these days.

After sharing a brief history of the event and recognizing a few representatives who were present, Ms. Anderson blew her infamous whistle at 10:20am. All participants raced to choose their coveted items. Choices ranged from spider lilies to pinto beans to a purple spotted bellflower. But it didn’t end there. As if the plants and seeds weren’t enough, the swappers gathered around, hoping to hear their ticket number called for door prizes. The youngest and eldest participants, aged 3 and 86 respectively, were first to choose amongst a smorgasbord of garden tools and supplies donated by the organizers and Lowe’s. While waiting for their numbers to be called several participants gathered around for a Q&A on canning and preserving food. Dr. Middleton, a member of the inaugural Master Food Preservers course offered by Clemson Extension, explained the process she uses when canning varied fruits and vegetables. 

About the Authors. Amorita McClam is an Administrative Coordinator at USC School of Medicine. She has been helping mold children's lives since 1997 and has worked in the educational setting since 2012.  She is passionate about helping underserved and underrepresented students of color with unique gifts and talents shine their light for society. Dr. LeConte' Richardson Middleton is a career educator, wife and mother of four.  She is a hobby farmer, chicken keeper, blogger, freelance writer and certified professional coach who enjoys spending time in the garden and teaching others to grow and preserve their own food.