Our annual Seed and Scion Exchange is a unique FREE event celebrating nature’s seed diversity. Whether you’re an experienced gardener or new to growing, this event offers a fun opportunity to exchange seeds, scions (cuttings), and gardening knowledge with fellow plant enthusiasts. Come explore the rich variety of seeds and scions—common contributions include herbs, veggies, annuals, perennials, and more. Plus, you’ll connect with a community dedicated to sustainable gardening and helping one another succeed.
The event begins with a special presentation from Eric Mack of Kai Garden, a purveyor of rare and unusual plants. From 1 to 2 PM, Eric will share insights on unique plant varieties and growing tips.
The community seed and scion exchange will take place from 2 to 4 PM.
How to Participate
First, be sure to register so that our community partners know how many giveaways to bring and so that we have enough seats for the presentation.
We encourage that all attendees bring at least 5 or more of the items listed below.
- 5-10 seed packets (partially used, homemade, or commercially sold)
- cuttings or fruit tree scions to share
- gently used gardening accessories, books, or magazines
If you are packaging your own seeds, please include the following on your seed packet:
- Type of plant (vegetable, flower, herb)
- Name of the plant (common name, scientific name if available)
- Age of the seed
Location
Decatur Recreation Center Multipurpose Suite (231 Sycamore St, Decatur, GA 30030)
Getting There
Parking is available in the Decatur Library Deck, and additional parking options can be found on the City of Decatur’s parking map. We also encourage biking to the event, and the Decatur MARTA station is just steps away for those traveling by transit.
Come connect, swap seeds, and grow something new! 🌱
About Eric Mack
The seeds were sown for The Kai Garden when Eric Mack was around eight years old. Gardening with his father on a vacant dead-end lot in Charleston subdivision would instill in Eric the hopefulness that comes from connecting to the land. Many years and life transitions would pass before he renewed this connection. Eric’s passion has taken him on a career path from barber to visual artist to elementary school art teacher, and now, nursery owner and plant enthusiast.
Some of Eric’s most recent projects include ongoing plant propagation workshop instruction at The Atlanta Botanical Garden, and a native plant design and installation at The East Lake Park in Atlanta through a grant from Park Pride that was completed in May of 2025. Eric is currently partnering with Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Company where they are producing a grower spotlight video to cover the work that goes on behind the scenes at The Kai Garden. His work can be enjoyed at Forza Storico on the Westside, and both of the Yeppa & Co. Italian Restaurants in Buckhead and on the Beltline.
Event Partners
Our network of supporters is showing up to bring you exciting and educational activities to this year’s Seed and Scion! Check them out and stay tuned as we add even more amazing participants.
Georgia Native Plant Society: The Intown Atlanta Chapter of the Georgia Native Plant Society is excited to join the Wylde Center’s annual Seed & Scion Exchange, helping expand the informational and resource offerings on native plant gardening in Metro Atlanta. GNPS members will staff at the native seed section, providing Ask-the-Expert support, as well as hosting a winter sowing demonstration.
City of Decatur: The City will be distributing free tree seedlings! Pick out a tree to plant in an area recently cleared of invasive species, or take it home to enjoy in your own backyard. They will have a native tree mix of Bald Cypress, Flowering Dogwood and Tupelo (Black gum).
Cooperative Extension: DeKalb County Cooperative Extension focuses on providing research-based education and resources to improve the lives of its residents. Through various programs and initiatives, we address agricultural practices, environmental conservation, nutrition and youth development. Our services include soil testing, pest management advice, health and wellness workshops and 4-H clubs for youth engagement.
Atlanta Fruits Club: Atlanta Fruits Club will conduct a grafting demonstration and discuss the tools they use. They will answer questions about how to root and care for fruit and nut trees.
Global Growers Network partners with people from multiple communities to grow fresh food for their families and for local marketplaces. Take a tour of the Decatur Kitchen Garden (DKG) – explore the garden’s diverse ecosystem and network of growers! Participants can learn about the history of the land, permaculture design techniques used to sustain the garden, as well as diverse gardening styles reflecting the backgrounds of growers from countries such as Bhutan, Myanmar, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The garden also showcases that culture as an essential component of agriculture, and emphasizes use of native plants and herbs that benefit the soil, local pollinators, and producers.
The Plant Sciences club is a student-run organization at Decatur High School that focuses on teaching its members about horticultural, agronomic, and sustainable practices in urban agriculture. They spend their time engaging in plant-related learning and experimentation. Furthermore, the Plant Sciences club works on outreach through community service projects in Decatur and surrounding areas.
