I know, it’s hard to think about fall native plants swaps and sales when temperatures have been in the 90 degrees Fahrenheit this week in southeast Michigan.
Thankfully, our area will return to more “regular” fall temperatures this weekend.
Which makes me glad. I love fall’s cooler weather!
Plant Swaps and Sales
If you’re not familiar, plant swaps happen in communities all over the world. Where people share plants and divisions they no longer want in their gardens.
Plant swaps are free.
For the past few years, plant swaps and sales have been scheduled in southeast Michigan for early September through mid-October.
However, I learned several plant swaps/exchanges and sales have already been held in southeast Michigan in late August.
Or had deadlines of September 1 or 2.
Thankfully, I found a few swaps and two sales I’ve attended or knew from past years that are happening this month and in October.
Note: all times are Eastern Daylight Time.
Fall Native Plant Swaps
Detroit Public Library Native Plant Swap with Huron-Clinton Metroparks
- Where: Detroit Public Library Sherwood Forest Branch in Detroit, Michigan
- When: September 19, 2026 from 2:00PM to 4:00PM, registration encouraged.
- Details: Bring your extra native plants and plant divisions to share with others. Take extra plants people have brought; you’re not required to bring any plants.
Wild Ones Wayne County Seedling and Plant Swap
- Where: University of Michigan-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center (EIC), 4901 Evergreen Rd, Dearborn, MI, 48128 (EIC is located at the intersection of Fair Lane Drive and Monteith Boulevard).
- When: September 20, 2026 from 9:30AM to noon. Wild Ones members only from 9:30AM to 10:30AM; public from 10:30AM to noon
- Details: Native species only. Note from the organizers: to prevent the spread of Asian Jumping worm, wash all soil off plant roots and bring them bare-root. Or repot your plants in fresh, sterile potting soil. No garden soil or mulch, please.
- Free, no registration required. Volunteers are needed to help organize.
Westland Public Library Fall Plant Swap
- Where: Westland Public Library, 6123 Central City Parkway, Westland, MI 48185
- When: October 3, 2026 from 9:00AM to 11:00AM
- Details: Bring your perennials, extra seedlings, seeds, houseplants, and other plants to trade with neighbors and friends. Plants should be in a container with soil, or as rooted cuttings in water or moist paper towel. Label plants with details (annual/perennial, size, sun/shade, bloom color, etc.)
- Bring your plants in a box, crate, flat, or tray and take home plants in the same container
- Registration encouraged, but not required
Ypsilanti District Library Fall Native Plant Swap
- Where: Ypsilanti District Library-Whittaker, 5577 Whittaker Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48197
- When: October 4, 2026 from 1:00PM to 2:00PM
- Details: Stop by the parking lot on the southwest corner of the library to share your extra native plants with other gardeners; leave with new treasures to add to your garden. Label plants with name, sun/shade preference, flower color. The plant swap is in partnership with In partnership with Washtenaw County Master Rain Gardeners.
Native Plant Sales
Macomb County Master Gardeners Native Plant Sale
- Where: Loren Andrus Octagon House, 57500 Van Dyke Road, Washington, MI
- When: September 20, 2026 from noon to 3:00PM
- Details: Plants are provided by East Michigan Natives, LLC. Three-inch plugs are $6.00. Themed kits which contain a variety of 32 plant plugs are available for $120.
- Plants can be pre-ordered (sales end September 13) or purchased on the day of sale.
Washtenaw County Conservation District Fall Tree & Native Plant Sale
- Where: Washtenaw Farm Council Grounds in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- When: September 25, 2025 from 1:00PM to 6:00PM
- Details: Conifers and native potted plants as well as a few garden kits. Pre-sales by paper form deadline is September 7, 2026; online deadline is September 13, 2026. All orders are pickup only.
- Extra plants sale: September 26, 2025 from 5:00PM to 6:00PM only.
Summary
I love going to plant swaps since I can chat with other native plant gardeners, learn about plants, and share my extra Great blue lobelia, Brown-eyed susan, and Evening primrose plants.
If you attend any native plant sale or swap this fall in southeast Michigan, let me know. I can’t attend all the swaps or sale, and would love to know about your experience.
And if you know of other native plant swaps and sales in southeast Michigan, share details and info in the comments.
