"For big bouquets of basil, I've received some wonderful garden produce," Wenger said. "This group has proven to me the accessibility of localism; one person doesn't have to grow everything."
That localism and ability to become self-sufficient appeal to Marcia Coppess. The Pasadena resident is striving to produce more of her own food. She has a thriving vegetable garden with an abundance of heirloom tomatoes, but new fruit trees aren't yet bearing anything. Exchange members have filled the gap with fresh apricots, plums, peaches, blackberries, figs and citrus.
Patrick Reagan, an Altadena software designer and exchange member, is exploring the idea of starting a local co-op store. He says there's a larger market for the excess produce in the area.
Meanwhile, exchange founder Murphy wants to expand the concept. "We already have members in Arcadia and Monrovia, so there's definitely an interest," she said. Prospective members can go to groups.yahoo.com /group/COFEaltadena, and she encourages gardeners in other areas to start their own exchanges.
I'm glad to be part of a group with lofty goals, but my own mantra is much simpler: Let no fruit go to waste.
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