Find a good home for your extra plants by donating them to nonprofit gardens

When you’re thinning out your perennials, you probably feel sad when you have to throw those extra plants on the compost pile.

Two Western New York organizations that would be delighted to find a good home for those plants are the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford and Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo.

Genesee Country Village & Museum

The Genesee Country Village & Museum recreates a 19th-century country village with costumed interpreters in restored historic buildings.

This season the gardeners at the museum are looking to expand the presence of hostas—a plant that found its way from eastern Asia to the United States in the early 1800s—to eventually become a staple of the shaded garden.

Any variety is welcome. You can drop them off at admissions at the museum, 1410 Flint Hill Rd, Mumford.

If you have any other perennials that you would like to donate, contact the  gardening staff directly at facilities@gcv.org or leave a message at (585) 294-8246.

One of the largest living history museums in the country, Genesee Country Village & Museum is also home to the John L. Wehle Gallery (following a major remodel) and a nature center.

Grassroots Gardens

Grassroots Gardens of Buffalo helps support community gardens in Buffalo that beautify blocks, grow healthy food and strengthen neighborhood spirit. They can use donated plants of any kind.

“Every little bit helps when trying to make 75 gardens beautiful,” said Derek Nichols, program manager. “Our gardeners would put them to good use.”

Anyone who wishes to donate plants can call the Grassroots Gardens office at 783-9653 or email Nichols at derek@grassrootsgardens.org to coordinate the drop-off. The office is located in Suite 408 in the Trimain Building, 2495 Main St., Buffalo, but please call first because they’re constantly running around in and out of the office, he said.

If you know of other nonprofit groups that are looking for plants, please leave a comment below.