2008 marks the 4th year of our Spring TransPlant-- Growing Hope's perennial and garden supply drive & fundraising plant sale.  You  may remember that in the past, Growing Hope friends throughout Washtenaw County let their homes be drop-off points for gardeners , and we publicized those addresses to gardeners everywhere.  This year, we feel think our drive can be more efficient and effective by employing volunteer TransPlant Stewards to put the word out to their own friends, family, neighbors, & colleagues to collect plants in whatever way or place is convenient for them.  Once we get the plants, we distribute some to our Growing Hope partner community & school gardens, and will plant some at the new Growing Hope Center, and sell the rest as a fundraiser. 

Specifically, here's what it takes to be a TransPlant Steward:

1) Let us know you're game for being a TransPlant Steward.  There's absolutely no minimum expectation for plants collected-- everything helps!  Email to info@growinghope.net to let us know you'll do it.

2) Tell your gardening friends, neighbors, colleagues, and others that you're collecting plants for donation to Growing Hope.  We'll take any perennials, as well as extra seeds, seedlings, garden tools, & any other organic garden supplies.

3) Let those folks know how best to get the plants to you-- whether to drop them at your home, bring them to your church/synagogue/mosque or school, or to the next meeting of a group you're a part of (e.g. a garden club or book group).  You figure out what makes most sense for you!  Divided plants should be labeled (with as much info as is known) and can be in any containers-- plastic bags, pots, etc.   If you'd like a stack of empty pots that you can share with people, please let us know.

4) Drop any collected plants and materials to us at the Growing Hope Center (922 W. Michigan Ave) between April 25-May 5.  If you have a lot, or don't have an appropriate vehicle for transport, we can arrange to pick them up from you-- please just let us know!

5) After that, you're done!  If you'd like to help us out starting the week of April 25, all the way through our Transplant Sale on May 9-10, please let us know, as we need all hands on deck to help in identifying, potting, dividing, and pricing.  We'll be selling our Herb planters at the Matthaei plant sale on May 2-4, at opening day of the Downtown Ypsi Farmers Market form 2-6 on May 6, and then at the GH Center on May 9-10.  If you want to volunteer during any of those times, write karen@growinghope.net for details.