Spike Winter Hazel (Corylopsis spicata)

Are you looking to fill in some space in your garden?  Did you lose any plants over the winter this year?  Isn’t there some coveted bloomer that you’ve been waiting to find at the right price?

If you live in the Seattle area you can take a chance with the Adopt A Plant list on Plant Amnesty’s website.  You never know what is going to be offered; everything from houseplants to shrubs and trees.  The catch is that you usually have to go and dig up, transport and transplant the goods yourself – but it’s free!  Not only can you get free plants, but you can also rack up good gardener karma by offering one of your unwanted trees or perennials for adoption.  From time to time non-plant items are offered through their “green share” such as pots, landscaping or paving stones, irrigation materials, etc.  It’s the ultimate in recycling.

All you have to do to get access to the list is become a Plant Amnesty member by making a small donation ($25.00).  Plant Amnesty also offers many (mostly free) events and classes for gardeners, pruners, tree lovers and the curious.

Here are a couple of events coming up that are sponsored by Plant Amnesty

Meeting of Like Minds (Hosted by the Heritage Tree Committee)  Topic: From Wilted to Wow : Best Shrubs and Trees for Northwest Summers, Tuesday April 20, 7-9pm at the Center for Urban Horticulture, NHS Hall, 3501 NE 41st St., Seattle WA 98105. More info: 206.783.9813.  If you remember last summer’s effects on some of our beloved northwest plants, you will want to attend this free talk and potluck dinner.

Tree Tour with Arthur Lee Jacobson Sunday April 25th, 2-3:30pm at Evergreen Washelli Memorial Park, 11111 Aurora Avenue North, Seattle WA 98133. Tickets must be purchased in advance from Evergreen Washelli  online or by telephone 206.362.5200.