The intent was multi-faceted; encourage individuals to stay at home and garden, promote more greenery for bees and birds, reduce GHGs emission, and replace grass with deeper rooted plants that require less water. We shopped extensively for good deals and at the same time, contacted individuals with our Blockwatch area (which received the grant) to find out if there were special requests, individuals working that day of the give-and-get meet, or elderly who could not or would not attend (we got plants out to them in advance). It took extensive use of flyer and of emails advertising to ensure people knew about this event. The day of the give-and-get; we grouped plants (herbs, veggies, florals, bushes, trees, houseplants and seeds) with six feet between the clusters; we created a path – entry way and exit. Masks were mandatory. Two individuals guided individuals through the path. Individuals dropped off plants which were added during the event. In the end we had approximately 170 plants (not counting those given out prior to the event and special requests), plus 30 packages of seed (some donated), and a dozen house plants. We were able to supply 23 households out of 54 that were invited. Some household were renters and had no interest while others choose not to participate. Our biggest surprise was the cost of plants (most tomato plants were running $2 for a single plant and perhaps the biggest reason to shop frugally and urge people to thin their gardens. We also started bulbs for prior to the give-and-get so that bulbs and tubors look attractive. We found an iphone was handy for showing what plants looked like. A few plants left over were given out to individuals who worked that day. All in all, a good success. JRS
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