On Saturday, March 28th, our hall and outdoor spaces at The Ledge were filled with neighbors, families, gardeners, and growers for Seed Swap 2026. It was a full day that reminded us why this event matters. People came with seeds in their pockets, questions on their minds, and a shared love of the land. They left with new knowledge, new connections, and a deeper sense of belonging.
Seed Swap has always been about more than trading seeds. It is about sharing experience, passing along skills, and creating a place where curiosity is welcomed. This year’s event showed just how much that spirit continues to grow.
A Community That Shows Up
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended, volunteered, demonstrated, or set up a booth. Your time and care made this day special. From the first conversations in the seed swap area to the last demo of the afternoon, the energy was thoughtful, generous, and encouraging.
Our vendors brought creativity, craftsmanship, and knowledge into the space. Attendees took time to talk, ask questions, and learn directly from people who work with their hands and the land every day. That kind of connection is what makes our events feel personal and meaningful.
Learning We Can Take Home
Throughout the day, demonstrations offered practical skills that gardeners could use right away.
Donald Collump, secretary of the local Master Gardeners, opened the morning by walking us through soil sampling and smart planting. He showed how to collect soil samples properly, explained why testing matters, and shared how results from the University of Tennessee Extension can save money and support healthier plants. His planting guidance focused on choosing the right plant for the right place, preparing holes correctly, and setting roots up for long term success. It was a strong reminder that good gardens start below the surface.
Kathryn Bush of Dry Hollow Farm followed with a hands on look at growing luffa. Drawing from over a decade of experience in West Tennessee, she shared when to plant, how warm the soil needs to be, and why sturdy trellising is essential. She also explained the many uses of mature luffa, from sponges to seed saving to pollinator support. Her message was encouraging and practical, especially for gardeners trying something new.
Timothy Kuykendall of Timber Honey gave an approachable overview of beekeeping and the life of a hive. He explained the roles of the queen, workers, and drones, how honey and wax are made, and why bees are responsible for pollinating so much of our food. His talk highlighted how small scale beekeeping supports healthier gardens and stronger ecosystems, while also stressing the importance of communication with neighbors and farmers.
In the afternoon, longtime volunteer John Salley shared his simple method for making crisp refrigerator dill pickles. From choosing the right cucumbers to packing jars and mixing brine, his demo showed how approachable pickling can be. It reflected the heart of Seed Swap, passing along skills that bring people together and make food something to share.
Our own Creative Director, Devin Johnson, led a plant cloning demonstration that showed how easy it can be to grow more plants from what you already have. He explained where to cut, how nodes work, and shared both a water based method for soft herbs and a soil method for tougher plants. The focus was on experimentation, confidence, and preserving strong plant genetics.
Kelly Voyles of Petals and Twine Chix Flower Farm closed out the demos with a thorough look at drying and preserving flowers. She walked through air drying, pressing, silica, and microwave methods, along with tips on timing, color, and storage. Her examples helped attendees see dried flowers as a way to extend the life of what we grow and turn it into lasting keepsakes.
Seeds, Vendors, and Shared Space
The seed swap table remained the heart of the event all day. Gardeners of every experience level brought seeds and plants to share. Conversations happened naturally, advice was offered freely, and everyone was reminded that this space belongs to all of us.
Our vendor area featured a wonderful mix of plants, handmade goods, and natural products from local makers, including Pear Lane Naturals, Drop Tine Creations, Trudy Abel Pottery, Dry Hollow Farm, Clover Penny Farm, Wilderness Road Creations, Timber Honey, Girl Scouts Heart of the South, and more. These booths gave attendees a chance to support local businesses and take something meaningful home.
Giving Back Through Service
We are especially thankful to the Master Gardeners and volunteers who spent time beautifying our front garden bed and sowing seeds in the community garden. Thanks to Donald Collump, Tate Welch, Trudy Abel, Kelly Voyles, and others, these shared spaces are already being shaped for the season ahead. Their work is a gift that will continue to grow long after the event.
Looking Ahead
As we begin planning for Seed Swap 2027, we are excited about expanding this event to include even more homesteaders, educators, and vendors. We hope to build on what worked, listen to your ideas, and keep shaping this gathering together.
Thank you again to everyone who made Seed Swap 2026 such a success. Your participation helps make The Ledge a place where people connect, learn, and feel at home. This is your space, and we are grateful to grow it alongside you.
Together, we grow.