Queens’ Plant Swap Grows in Long Island City

Long Island City’s leaves rustled last night with Queens’ plant swap greening NYC’s west. Host Mia Chen traded a fern as 150 swapped at a lot off Vernon, pure Queens soul. It’s borough green—free entry, bring a pot, NYC grow vibe. A kid nabbed a cactus; a pro hauled ivy. ‘Queens blooms—this is it,’ Chen says, watering sprigs. The lot turned jungle.

The swap’s fresh—weekly, tripling since March’s kickoff. Chen’s an Astoria grower; last night’s haul hit 80 trades—pots clinked. A succulent vanished fast; tips swapped—NYC dirt. Cash hit $40—soil funded. #LICPlants trended; Brooklyn’s rooting.

Some shrugged—’Too messy,’ griped a neatnik, dodging mud. Space pinched—latecomers juggled stems. A pot cracked—swept quick. Still, 200 begged next—plants ruled. Long Island City’s never greened so tight.

Chen’s eyeing daily, maybe a rooftop if spring bites. ‘NYC’s earth—this grows it,’ she says, packing pots. The swap’s a Queens win—grit meets green. LIC’s plant heart now; grab a leaf. Trade up—roots rule.