Take a Plant, Leave a Plant: The Community Gardening Movement Connecting Green Thumbs

Take a plant, leave a plant. The idea behind a growing movement in community gardening is to bring green thumbs from different neighborhoods together. By setting up free “plant exchanges,” gardeners can share their love of plants and meet new people. I’ve seen for myself how these casual conversations can grow into lovely sharing groups.

What is a Take a Plant, Leave a Plant Garden?

A “take a plant, leave a plant” garden is usually a small, local garden or stand where people can trade plants for free. The idea is that if you take a plant you like, you leave one for someone else to enjoy. There’s no need to make a formal trade or swap.

These gardens can be found in neighborhoods, community parks or gardens. Often they are unmanned, operating on an honor system and community goodwill. A gardener may set up a backyard stand or small public garden with a sign inviting people to take and leave plants. Shelves, racks or tables display potted plants, marked cuttings, seeds, garden tools, and other items free for the taking.

While simple in concept, these exchanges help strengthen communities in profound ways:

• They allow gardeners to easily share knowledge, plants, seeds, and resources.

• They promote sustainability and reduce waste by finding new homes for extra plants.

• They connect neighbors and foster friendships around a shared love of plants and gardening.

The Benefits of Take a Plant, Leave a Plant Gardens

Plant Sharing Builds Community

Take a plant, leave a plant gardens thrive on mutual giving. They create a space to meet fellow gardeners, talk plants, and build real human connections. Developing relationships with neighbors through plant swaps can make a neighborhood feel more like a community.

I’ve been amazed to see the friendships grow organically in plant exchange groups I’m part of online. We swap tips on gardening and preservation, share recipes for our bounty, and exchange plants in spring and fall. The vibrant garden photos and proud harvest shots keep us going through winter.

Promotes Sustainability

Exchanging plants reduces waste by finding new homes for extras. Gardeners often end up with surplus seedlings and divisions, especially prolific self-seeding plants like herbs and tomato volunteers. Take a plant, leave a plant gardens put these extras to use instead of letting them wither.

Passing along divided perennials, rooted cuttings, and volunteers keeps plants out of landfills. And planting these “rescues” avoids the environmental costs of commercial nursery production and transport. It’s the ultimate in sustainable, local food production.

Easily Expand Your Plant Collection

Participating in exchanges is a fun, free way for gardeners to expand their beds and containers with new plants. Avid gardeners know the temptation to try just one more interesting plant. By swapping with others, you can add new specimens without spending a fortune.

Trading cuttings and divisions of treasured plants lets others enjoy special heirlooms you’ve nurtured. When a friend shared a cutting from her grandmother’s peony bush, it felt like a priceless gift. Take a plant, leave a plant gardens abound with living history passed from gardener to gardener.

Creating a Take a Plant, Leave a Plant Garden

Starting your own plant exchange stand takes just a few simple steps:

Choose a Spot

Pick a visible location to situate your garden. The front yard or edge of the driveway works well so passersby notice it. Make sure it gets sufficient sun for growing plants. If possible, provide access to water for giving plants a drink.

Set Up Shelves or Tables

The vertical space of shelves and racks displays plants nicely. Quickly make a garden with pieces of wood, an old bookcase, or a plant stand. Make sure it’s easy for people to access. You can also put plants in pots on a few folding tables.

Spread the Word

Post signs, hand out flyers, or write on community pages to let your neighbors know about the garden. Nextdoor and Facebook groups have helped me get the word out about plant exchanges. Make sure to talk about the idea of “take a plant, leave a plant.”

Stock the Garden

Harvest extras from your own garden or ask neighbors for donations to get started. Pot up plant divisions, root cuttings, and volunteers. Label plants if possible to aid identification. Provide trowels, markers, trays, and other useful supplies.

Consider Expansion

Once up and running, your exchange can grow. Visitors often contribute their own plants, cuttings, pots, and tools. You may need more shelves and tables. Expanded hours make swapping more convenient for those with busy schedules.

While simple in execution, take a plant, leave a plant gardens have profound power to unite community. So don’t just tend your own garden – build a space to share your passion for plants far and wide.