What is Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale
Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale is a community group that swaps and sells plants. This could be either indoor or outdoor plants. Fresh produce is also welcome including seeds too. This is a group that positively uses plants to connect, uplift and enable people through plants. Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale aims to promote individuals’ well being regardless of age or experience with plants. Everyone is given an opportunity to know and enjoy what Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale is all about at no charge.
Up to date activities of the group can be found on their facebook group page called Purbeck Plant Swap Sale. The group aims to promote interactions amongst group members sharing tips and advice or simply what individuals are up to. Note, just because no one is paid to run the group, there might be delays in answering potential questions asked as there is no one employed to do that so if people can be patient for answers and not be upset. Group members are freely welcome to share their knowledge as possible as they can to help the group grow as a strong community benefit.
Why does the group meet?
We aim to provide something in the community that can give people a reason to get out of their house and do something social rather than be stuck and feel lonely in the house.
When does the group meet?
Once a month. On the first Saturday of the month (unless otherwise). This takes place from Spring to Autumn of the year (March to November).
- 2024 on 12th October & 2nd November.
- 2025 on 1st March, 5th April, 3rd May, 7th June, 5th July, 2nd August, 6th September, 4th October, 1st November
Where does the group meet?
Wareham Family Hub. To some, this is also known as Purbeck Youth and Community Foundation. This is by Purbeck School/Sports Centre entrance, on Worgret Road in Wareham.
Who is involved exactly?
Gardeners involved can either be starters or well experienced gardeners. Some people could be just doing gardening as a hobby and are thinking of starting. So, interested individuals bring plants to swap or sell amongst each other. For those who don’t have plants, they are also free to buy if they see anything they would love to have. Sometimes people will be just passing by for a social and cuppa & cake. It’s there to create a friendly, and safe environment for people. Just to have something different and pleasant for interested individuals.
How does PPSS operate?
Exhibitors get a free table to share their well established plants to share, swap or sell. The money they get from selling their plants is theirs to keep. Exhibitors don’t have to donate or give their money to the founders of Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale. The exhibitors don’t have to pay for the free refreshment or use of the building/room used. They just come for a social and time out.
The general community just come to either buy the plants or enjoy a free cuppa & cake.
It has been noted on several occasions that there has been regular people who come neither to swap/sell, nor buy plants but just pass by to say ‘Hello’ and chat with the regular exhibitors. We have had some people come back just to feedback and say how they are pleased with their previous buys. And this has been very encouraging and motivating to regular exhibitors.
Above all, currently, the group would not be able to make it without the generous support of Wareham’s Sainsbury and Coop who have been providing Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale with refreshments. Wareham Family Hub has also been welcoming as they opened their doors so that Purbeck Plant Swap/Sale can freely host their monthly events at their site. Now and then the group has included some free raffle for their exhibitors and so far Holme for Garden and Careys Secret Garden have been supporting with free raffle tickets, again to encourage people to get out their houses and appreciate the benefits of outdoor for physical and mental wellbeing.
