Rooted in Community: Gardeners Unite! After-Party Recap

Group picture in front of the weed we pulled and the blackberry roots we dug out.

Today at Redmond’s Idylwood Park, community energy was in full bloom! The Gardeners Unite! Plant Swap + Picnic Party, co-hosted by United Hub and the City of Redmond, brought together neighbors, volunteers, and families for a vibrant celebration of plants, wellness, and connection.

Ready, set, grab a tool.

The plant swap table looked beautiful thanks to our generous gardeners.

🌱 Highlights from the Day

✅ Spontaneous Weeding Crew

What began as a small forest restoration effort turned into a mini movement—park visitors spontaneously joined in! With gloves on and shovels ready, kids and adults alike helped dig out invasive blackberry roots (some were too proud to part with them!).

Grandson saw us pulling the weeds and he wanted to do it too. He did great.

Look at the blackberry roots they dug out with their little shovels.

✅ Nothing like an East-Facing Stretch Session

A surprise moment of calm and connection came when a grandma led the group in a session of Baduanjin (八段锦, “Eight Brocades”) the traditional Chinese movement practice. Laughter, curiosity, and slow mindful breathing made it a beautiful interlude in the shade.

✅ Grandma’s Wellness Wisdom

“Breathe in, stretch out…” With gentle guidance and graceful movement, grandma led us all, and even the most energetic kids paused for a moment of calm and balance.

Here we go, instant healing.

✅ Pavilion Picnic & Conversations

Though not lakeside, the picnic pavilion buzzed with activity. Tables overflowed with homegrown fruits, herbal teas, and plant stories. New friendships bloomed as easily as the cuttings being swapped outside.

No worries. Picnic table will soon be filled up.

Let’s do some planting so that the cuttings won’t dry out before they reached their new home, said the thoughtful gardener.

✅ Plant Exchange Fun

From succulent starters to basil bunches, the swap table saw a steady stream of leafy exchanges.

One visitor traded a pothos for a mint sprig and declared it “the best deal of the week.” Another just stopped by to look—and left with a jade cutting and a smile.

💬 Voices from the Park

“I only came for a walk, but ended up weeding for an hour!”

“My grandma doing 八段锦 in the park is my new favorite memory.”

“We’re keeping our blackberry root forever.

💚 Gratitude in Every Leaf

To everyone who joined, stayed, or just stumbled upon the event—thank you. Your time, spirit, and smiles helped turn this gathering into a joyful, living memory. The forest is a little healthier, and our community is a lot greener because of you.

Until next time—stay rooted, stay connected!

💚

#UnitedHub #RedmondEvents #GardenersUnite #IdylwoodPark