Green Lents hosts annual Garden Swap

Take a look at what they were swapping this year at Zenger Farm …

Inside the Zenger Farm Grange, in the Powellhurst-Gilbert neighborhood, Green Lents is holding their annual outer East Portland Garden Swap.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The sixth annual “Garden Swap”, hosted by Green Lents, a community-based non-profit organization with the aim of making their area a thriving and sustainable place, took place on April 8 at Zenger Farm.

In the Zenger Farm Community Grange Hall, dozens of people brought items, and took some as well, but mostly just socialized.

Pausing for a photo are Green Lents Event Coordinator Renata Frantum, and Board Member Amy Lubitow.

“Our members and friends are invited to bring unused gardening equipment and seeds, and trade them for things that they need,” explained Green Lents Event Coordinator Renata Frantum.

“This is a ‘sharing economy’ concept – trading, and encouraging people to reuse and not throw away items helpful to others. This way you don’t need to buy new things,” Frantum told East Portland News.

Folks take a look at the many items available for the taking, at this Lents “Garden Swap”.

More than 300 people sent a Facebook RSVP; and midway through the event, more than 100 folks had arrived to take it in this year.

Participants slowly walked around tables laden with gardening implements; the seed swap table drew numerous visitors as well.

Kent Sullivan tries his hand at making a “seed bomb” with the help of Meghan Mack, and her daughter Magpie Mack.

“We’re holding events like these to bring residents and community members together to have some fun,” Frantum remarked. “It’s because our mission at Green Lents is to engage community members here in Lents, and the surrounding neighborhoods of outer East Portland, to develop a more livable community.”

Frantum asked to thank the sponsors and donors – including Portland Nursery, Bosky Dell Natives, New Seasons Market, Home Depot, Friends of Trees, and Zenger Farm.

Jennifer Stewart checks out some of the plants brought from Bosky Dell Natives.

Find out more about Green Lents by visiting their website: CLICK HERE.

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