Love was still lingering in the air at this month’s VC Plant Swap with a space full of vendors, artists, beer, music, and plants! On February 18, 2024 the VC Plant Swap: Sweeties Only edition, took place at one of Ventura’s well known breweries, Poseidon Brewing Co. As a plant lover and first-timer attendee at this pop up event, I had no idea what to expect when I walked through the door so I will walk you through my overall experience at this past VC Plant Swap.
What was the VC Plant Swap all about?
The VC Plant Swap is a free and public event that is hosted once a month at different locations in Ventura County, where one can socialize with other community members, creators, and organizers that share a mutual love for plants. When I met with the creator, Mari, she shared with me the origin of this pop up, which began in January 2020 as an idea where people can bring pest-free plants, cuttings, gardening tools, soil, or seeds they would like to mutually swap all while meeting others and share plant knowledge. This was the very first thing that convinced me to participate in this plant swap where I had to write my name on two name tags: one placed on myself and the other on my plant I brought from home. All plants were placed on a selected table and if any particular plant caught your eye, you were to hunt for the person with the same name on the tag and ask if they were willing to swap plants with you. This might sound intimidating for some, but I could attest that everyone at this pop up radiated genuine positivity and made you feel as if you were speaking to your best friend. Aside from plant swapping, there were plenty of drinks, food, and leisurely activities that helped build this plant community.
More plants, pots, stickers, seeds, art, jewelry and resources can be found and were available at multiple participating booths for free and for purchase. If this is a pop up you would like to participate as a vendor, or would like to share your love with plants at the next anticipated pop up, I encourage you to follow them on Instagram @vc.plant.swap to receive real-time updates.
VC Plant Swap Booths:
VC Social 