MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - Spring officially arrives March 20, 2026, and the Rutherford County Extension Service is already in full bloom. With warmer days just around the corner, the Extension Service is rolling out two hands‑on opportunities designed to help residents grow, mend, and connect this season — all at Lane Agri‑Park, 315 John R. Rice Blvd. in Murfreesboro.
PLANT SWAP
Gardeners across Rutherford County will have a chance to refresh their landscapes during the Rutherford County Master Gardeners’ Annual Plant Swap, set for Saturday, April 26, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Lane Agri‑Park. The free community event invites plant lovers of all experience levels to gather, share, and trade in a relaxed, educational setting.
Organized by the Rutherford County Master Gardeners and supported by the Extension Service, the swap encourages participants to bring healthy, pest‑free plants that are well rooted in soil and clearly labeled. Plants are exchanged on a one‑for‑one basis, giving gardeners an easy way to trade surplus plants for something new. Organizers note that invasive species will not be accepted and encourage participants to be thoughtful about what they bring.
The annual plant swap has become a spring tradition for many local gardeners, offering a chance to expand gardens at no cost while swapping tips, stories, and growing advice with fellow enthusiasts. Additional information is available by contacting jonmheatherly@gmail.com.
SEWING CLASSES
Inside the auditorium at Lane Agri‑Park, sewing machines will also be humming this spring as the Family and Community Education Clubs introduce a new series of adult sewing classes. Designed for beginners and returning sewists alike, the hands‑on workshops focus on practical skills that help residents save money, reduce waste, and build confidence.
The series begins Monday, March 9, with a mending class from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for $12. A Learn to Sew class follows Tuesday, April 7, with afternoon and evening sessions available for $25, including a small pillow project. The final class, focused on hemming, will be held Monday, April 27, with two options for $12.
Registration is available at tiny.utk.edu/5Ry3I. For questions, residents may contact Janette Walker at jwalk143@utk.edu or call 615‑898‑7710.
With gardening and sewing opportunities on the calendar, the Extension Service is offering plenty of ways for the community to dig in and create this spring.
