Plant Exchange Helps Spread Nature and Neighborliness in Madison Heights

Plant Exchange Helps Spread Nature and Neighborliness in Madison Heights
(Crystal A. Proxmire, July 5, 2019)
Madison Heights, MI – As families from throughout Madison Heights reveled in the fun of Festival in the Park, the Environmental Citizens Committee shared another way to spread happiness – flowers!
Flowers, plants, and seeds to be exact.  It was the ECC’s first ever Plant Exchange, and the result was scores of earth-friendly, beautiful creations going to new homes throughout the community.
“We started with three tables full of daisies, sedum, geraniums and other plants as well as seeds and gardening tools. By 9pm there were just a few seeds and a sprinkler left over,” said Councilperson and ECC Member Rosyln Grafstein.
Students Dante McGuire, Hannah Haines, and Logan Haines helped set up and manage the Plant Exchange, while ECC members Sarah Popp, Heather Haines and Roslyn Grafstein were on hand to answer questions and encourage people to plant.
“My goal with revitalizing the ECC was to encourage our residents who think globally to act locally. This includes each of us doing our small part to improve the environment. Plants help absorb pollution which leads to cleaner air and they can help hold soil in place thereby reducing erosion and flooding,” Grafstein said.  “We talk a lot about how trees benefit the environment and home values but shrubs and other plants also provide many environmental and aesthetic benefits as well. A nicely landscaped garden full of native plants like black eyed susans and coneflowers increase curb appeal and overall home values while attracting butterflies and other pollinator friendly insects that benefit the environment.”
The event had such a nice start that it’s likely to become an annual tradition.  People who have extra plants will be able to drop them off at the table at the beginning of next year’s event.
For more Madison Heights stories visit the Oakland County Times Madison Heights News Page.
For more on the City of Madison Heights, visit https://www.madison-heights.org/

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