Plant Swap: Encouraging Community
My nephew, Jeff, invited my sister, Deb, and me to his neighborhood plant swap. He lives in Hamtramck on the edge of Detroit. Jeff bought a house there several years…
Friends and neighbors showed up to Jeff’s Plant Swap.
Donielle FlynnMy nephew, Jeff, invited my sister, Deb, and me to his neighborhood plant swap. He lives in Hamtramck on the edge of Detroit. Jeff bought a house there several years ago. Many homes have been razed, so there are many open lots. A couple of years ago, Jeff started planting lavender on two of the empty lots. He has flowers from my yard (that I took for my parents' yard) that are now a part of his yard. Over time, Jeff has bought empty lots and planted more flowers.
The Plant Swap
Jeff decided to try a neighborhood plant swap. He invited us, friends, and his neighborhood. Deb and I said we were going to a plant dump. LOL We have too many flowers so this was a chance to share the wealth. I said emphatically, that I would not be bringing any plants home... buuuuut, I did. Jeff's neighbors and friends were awesome. They were super knowledgeable about their plants: the names, the benefits, everything.
Donielle FlynnJeff had tables set up for people to display and trade their plants.
I brought home a small raspberry bush, ranunculus, and indigo pods. I somehow lost my garlic which bums me out. It was FRESH garlic. Many of Jeff's friends had herb or cut flower gardens. I loved finding out about the plants. I also loved that neighbors stopped by and asked what was going on. We told them that it was a plant swap, but we had plenty, so take whatever you like. "How much for this plant?" Nothing. It's all free, just please promise to take good care of them.
One neighbor stopped by with her grandson. She picked out plants and put them in a basket that he carried for her. He didn't look as happy about the whole thing since he was the one who would have to plant them, but he came and helped his grandma which was really awesome.
The Results
My sister, Deb, and I had a great time and we loved being a part of an event that had such a sense of community. My nephew, Jeff, is exceptionally good at bringing people together in the most unexpected ways. Something as simple as a plant swap fostered a sense of community and giving in a neighborhood that could really use the shot in the arm. They're lucky to have him and so are we.
Donielle FlynnDoni, Alathea *Jeff's girlfriend), Jeff, and Debi at the plant swap
I hope Jeff has more events like this. He inspires me to think more community-based in my own neighborhood too. Keep doing what you're doing, Jeff. It does make a difference. Speaking of PLANTS...
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
For 50 years, Robert Plant has been a standard bearer for rock and roll lead singers. Few have had his presence and even fewer have had as iconic of a voice.
In honor of his birthday, let's take a look back through his stellar career, from Led Zeppelin to his solo success and everything in between.
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
British rock band Led Zeppelin, (left - right): John Paul Jones, John Bonham (1948 - 1980), Jimmy Page and Robert Plant, pose in front of an their private airliner The Starship, 1973. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
16th September 1970: Three of the four members of British heavy rock group Led Zeppelin in Embankment Gardens, London. They pushed the Beatles down to number two, taking the Best British Group award at the Melody Maker Pop Polls today at the Savoy Hotel. They are, from left to right; singer Robert Plant, guitarist Jimmy Page and drummer John Bonham. (Photo by Ian Showell/Keystone/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
28th November 1979: Three members of rock group Led Zeppelin with their seven Melody Maker awards. They are, from left to right John Paul Jones (bass, keyboards), Robert Plant (vocals) and John Bonham (1947 - 1980) (drums). (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
12th May 1977: Robert Plant, singer, (left) and John Paul Jones, bass and keyboard player, (right) of the British rock group Led Zeppelin. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
1st October 1970: Folk singer Sandy Denny with Robert Plant, singer of the rock group Led Zeppelin, voted Britain's top singer in the Melody Maker poll. (Photo by Michael Stroud/Express/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
June 1973: British rock band Led Zeppelin. From left to right, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham (1947 - 1980), John Paul Jones. (Photo by Evening Standard/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
British rock singer Robert Plant (L) of the band Led Zeppelin and the group's road manager, Richard Cole, relax on a bed covered by a fur rug and discuss details of their upcoming concert, New York City, New York, July 30, 1973. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
English music manager Richard Cole with his wife, former bunny girl Marylin Woolhead, celebrating their wedding with British rock band Led Zeppelin and British writer and composer Lionel Bart (1930 - 1999), London, UK, 3rd January 1974. (L-R) Richard Cole, Marylin Woolhead, Lionel Bart, Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones, Robert Plant. (Photo by Victor Blackman/Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
16th September 1970: British rock band Led Zeppelin collect their geode awards after being voted top British group in the Melody Maker Pop Poll in London. From left to right, they are Jimmy Page, Robert Plant (who also won the Best British Singer award), and John Bonham. (Photo by Roger Jackson/Central Press/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
16th September 1970: Lead singer of rock band Led Zeppelin, Robert Plant, after receiving his Melody Maker Award for Best British Male Singer. (Photo by Roger Jackson/Central Press/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
British musician Robert Plant visits members of the rock group Heart after their performance in Milton Keynes, England, circa 1980s. (L-R) Ann Wilson, Robert Plant, Nancy Wilson, Marke Andes, Denny Carmassi and Howard Leese talk on the concert grounds. (Photo by Epic/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
British rock singer Robert Plant poses leaning on the back of a sofa, 1982. (Photo by Express Newspapers/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
Tim Boyle/Getty ImagesRobert Plant sings as he performs during a Robert Plant and Jimmy Page concert, at the Rosemont Horizon, near Chicago, Illinois, April 28, 1995. (Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
Robert Plant performs at the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles, Ca. Thursday, Sept. 12, 2002. Photo by Kevin Winter/ImageDirect.
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LONDON - APRIL 4: Robert Plant performs on stage with The Sensations at the first in a series of 5 charity gigs in aid of the Teenage Cancer Trust, which runs from April 4 to April 8, at the Royal Albert Hall on April 4, 2005 in London. (Photo by Jo Hale/Getty Images) Robert Plant
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LONDON - JULY 10: British rock legend Robert Plant performs with his band the Strange Sensation during the Somerset House Summer Series at Somerset House on July 10, 2006 in London, England. (Photo by Jim Dyson/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
TROMSO, NORWAY - JUNE 11: 46664 artists (L-R front row stage) Robert Plant, Anneli Drecker, Annie Lennox and Zucchero and (L-R 2nd row) Jivan Gasparyan, Angelique Kidjo, Peter Gabriel, Thandiswa Mazwai, Brian May and Sharon Corr pose with Nelson Mandela (C front row) at a photocall ahead of tonight's "46664 Arctic" concert, at the Rica Hotel on June 11, 2005 in Tromso, Norway. The fourth concert aims to raise awareness of and funds for the global HIV/AIDS pandemic, as well as funds for South Africa with proceeds going to the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Produced by Robbie Williams, it follows 3 previous concerts held in Cape Town, George and Madrid, and Mandela is expected to make a personal plea to leaders of the G8 summit in his address. (Photo by Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 14: (L-R) Musicians Alison Krauss and Robert Plant pose in the press room during the 2008 CMT Music Awards at the Curb Events Center at Belmont University on April 14, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Stephen Lovekin/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 1: (L-R Back Row) John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, David Letterman (L-R Front Row) U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Buddy Guy, Natalia Makarova, Dustin Hoffman pose following a dinner for Kennedy honorees hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State on December 1, 2012 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 1: (L-R) John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zepplin, three of the seven recipients of the 2012 Kennedy Center Honors, pose for a photograph following a dinner for Kennedy honorees hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State on December 1, 2012 in Washington, DC. The 2012 honorees are Buddy Guy, actor Dustin Hoffman, late-night host David Letterman, dancer Natalia Makarova, and members of the British rock band Led Zeppelin Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones. (Photo by Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 1: (L-R) John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page and Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin speak with Buddy Guy (2nd R) as they prepare to pose for a photograph following a dinner for Kennedy honorees hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State on December 1, 2012 in Washington, DC. The 2012 honorees are Buddy Guy, actor Dustin Hoffman, late-night host David Letterman, dancer Natalia Makarova, and members of the British rock band Led Zeppelin Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones. (Photo by Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 1: (L-R) Jimmy Page, Robert Plant, and John Paul Jones of Led Zepplin arrive for a dinner for Kennedy honorees hosted by U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton at the U.S. Department of State on December 1, 2012 in Washington, DC. The 2012 honorees are Buddy Guy, actor Dustin Hoffman, late-night host David Letterman, dancer Natalia Makarova, and members of the British rock band Led Zeppelin Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, and John Paul Jones. (Photo by Ron Sachs - Pool/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 2: Robert Plant (L) and Jimmy Page of the band Led Zeppelin attend the Kennedy Center Honors reception at the White House on December 2, 2012 in Washington, DC. The Kennedy Center Honors recognized seven individuals - Buddy Guy, Dustin Hoffman, David Letterman, Natalia Makarova, John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant - for their lifetime contributions to American culture through the performing arts. (Photo by Brendan Hoffman/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NY - OCTOBER 09: Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Jason Bonham and John Paul Jones attend premiere of "Led Zeppelin: Celebration Day" at Ziegfeld Theatre on October 9, 2012 in New York City. Led Zeppelin's John Paul Jones, Jimmy Page, and Robert Plant along with Jason Bonham attend premiere of Celebration Day at Ziegfeld Theatre in New York. Celebration Day captures their 2007 tribute concert for Atlantic Records Founder Ahmet Ertegun at London's O2 Arena. Film will be released worldwide on October 17, 2012 by Omniverse Vision on 1,500 screens in over 40 territories, it will then be available in multiple video and audio formats on November 19, 2012. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin attend a press conference to announce Led Zeppelin's new live DVD Celebration day at 8 Northumberland Avenue on September 21, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LONDON, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 21: (L-R) John Paul Jones, Robert Plant and Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin attend a press conference to announce Led Zeppelin's new live DVD Celebration day at 8 Northumberland Avenue on September 21, 2012 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 04: Singers Robert Plant (L) and Roger Daltrey pose at a press conference to announce the Daltrey/Townsend Teen & Young Adult Cancer Program at UCLA on November 4, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Robert Plant and Patty Griffin & The Band of Joy performs during the 10th Americana Music Association honors and awards>> at the Ryman Auditorium on October 13, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NASHVILLE, TN - OCTOBER 13: Singers/Songwriters Robert Plant and Gregg Allman backstage at the 10th Americana Music Association honors and awards at the Ryman Auditorium on October 13, 2011 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 08: Musician Robert Plant (L) and singer Alison Krauss, winners of five awards; Best Country Collaboration With Vocals, Best Pop Collaboration With Vocals, Best Best Contemporary Folk/Americana Album, Best Record, and Album of the Year, pose in the press room during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards held at the Staples Center on February 8, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
MANCHESTER, TN - JUNE 15: Alison Krauss and Robert Plant perform during day four of the 2008 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival on June 15, 2008 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by Jeff Gentner/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NASHVILLE, TN - APRIL 14: Musicians Robert Plant and Alison Krauss accept an award onstage during the 2008 CMT Music Awards at the Curb Events Center at Belmont University on April 14, 2008 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Scott Gries/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Robert Plant performs on the Pyramid Stage during day 2 of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm on June 28, 2014 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
GLASTONBURY, ENGLAND - JUNE 28: Robert Plant performs on the Pyramid Stage during day 2 of the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm on June 28, 2014 in Glastonbury, England. (Photo by Ian Gavan/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
MANCHESTER, TN - JUNE 14: Musician Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters perform onstage at Which Stage during Day 4 of the 2015 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival on June 14, 2015 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
MANCHESTER, TN - JUNE 14: Musician Robert Plant & The Sensational Space Shifters perform onstage at Which Stage during Day 4 of the 2015 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival on June 14, 2015 in Manchester, Tennessee. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MARCH 28: Robert Plant performs during 2015 Lollapalooza Brazil at Autodromo de Interlagos on March 28, 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mauricio Santana/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
SAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MARCH 28: Robert Plant performs during 2015 Lollapalooza Brazil at Autodromo de Interlagos on March 28, 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mauricio Santana/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
Mauricio Santana/Getty ImagesSAO PAULO, BRAZIL - MARCH 28: Robert Plant performs during 2015 Lollapalooza Brazil at Autodromo de Interlagos on March 28, 2015 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. (Photo by Mauricio Santana/Getty Images)
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26: Robert Plant Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on September 26, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty Images for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon")
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NY - SEPTEMBER 26: Robert Plant Visits "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" at Rockefeller Center on September 26, 2014 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/NBC/Getty Images for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon")
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Robert Plant attends the Third Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver on March 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for God’s Love We Deliver )
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Billy Gibbons (L) and Robert Plant attend the Third Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver on March 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for God’s Love We Deliver )
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: Sheryl Crow (L) and Robert Plant perform onstage during the Third Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver on March 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for God’s Love we Deliver )
Robert Plant: Photos from his Legendary Career
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 07: (L-R) Jimmie Vaughan, Billy F Gibbons, Robert Plant, Sheryl Crow, Danny Clinch, Nancy Wilson, and Ann Wilson perform onstage during the Third Annual Love Rocks NYC Benefit Concert for God's Love We Deliver on March 07, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Jamie McCarthy/Getty Images for God’s Love we Deliver )
