Written by Mackenzie Manley, Content Specialist, Downtown Main Library
Spring has arrived, making it the perfect time for seed starting and welcoming new plants into your home. From seed libraries to plant swaps and more, here’s how to exercise your green thumb with the Library this season.
Visit a Seed Library
Several of our locations have seed libraries to help supplement your gardens. While there is no limit to the number of seed packets you can take per visit, the Library asks that gardeners be mindful to only take what they plan to use. You can visit each seed library during their respective branch’s regular hours.
Seed stock will vary depending on when you visit! Seed Libraries are dependent on donations received. Visit a seed library at the following locations:
- Clifton Branch
- Walnut Hills Branch
- Harrison Branch
- Westwood Branch
- Groesbeck Branch
- Green Township Branch
- Monfort Heights Branch
The Monfort Heights Branch’s Seed Library will launch on Saturday, April 25 during their third annual Plant Swap! From 10-11:30 a.m., exchange plants, cuttings, seeds, and bulbs. The branch is currently accepting donations for their seed library.
Events for Plant Lovers
Want to connect with fellow plant enthusiasts? Add these free-to-attend Library events to your calendar.
- Held on Thursday, April 9 at 2 p.m., online discussion Let’s Chat: Gardening Tips & Tricks is perfect for both new and seasoned growers. Register.
- There are several plant swaps across Library locations this spring, starting with the Forest Park Branch on Saturday, April 18 from 1-3 p.m. The Monfort Heights Branch will host theirs the following week on Saturday, April 25 from 10-11:30 a.m. and the Groesbeck Branch will follow on Saturday, May 9 at 11 a.m. Bring your plants, swap seeds, cuttings, and more.
- Join the Pleasant Ridge Branch and the Kennedy Heights Community Council at Kennedy Heights Park on Saturday, April 11 at 2:30 p.m. to get a dose of nature while learning about any plants, insects, and animals the group comes across.
- Head to the Clifton Branch for their annual Plant Fest on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Enjoy lemonade family-friendly activities, and a plant swap.
- The Green Township Branch’s Community Plant Day returns for its sixth year on Saturday, May 16 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Along with exchanging plants, the event will feature native Ohio plants, community groups, and more. Bring a house plant, extra vegetable and flower seedlings, saplings, or perennials you have thinned out from your yard!
Happy planting!
Touch Grass at Discovery Pass Locations
Need a dose of the great outdoors? Reserve a Discovery Pass for the Great Parks, which includes 22 parks and conservation areas across the region. If you want a side of art with your fresh air, check out Pyramid Hill Sculpture Park & Museum, which boasts over 300 acres of grounds to explore.
Spring also means rainy days are ahead, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some foliage. Reserve a Discovery Pass at Krohn Conservatory and take in their collection of exotic plants, from orchids to succulents and leafy ferns.
Looking to go green in another sense? Reserve a pass to the Cincinnati Recycling & Reuse Hub. The pass to The Hub offers general admission for one day per household (two adults and four children) that allows residents to recycle general items for free and explore what The Hub’s all about.
Learn more at CHPL.org/discovery-pass.
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