Plant exchanges offer a simple yet powerful way to bring people together while promoting sustainability and biodiversity. By swapping plants, seeds or cuttings, it’s a way for people to diversify their gardens at little to no cost, reducing the need to purchase new plants and minimizing environmental impact. Exchanges also create opportunities for learning, as gardeners share tips, experiences and local knowledge.
The Marple/Delco Plant and Gardening–Exchange and Advice group began as a small group of Broomall residents and has grown to a large Facebook group with nearly 800 members. They welcome local gardeners to come together to share their love of plants through trading, gifting and conversation. They also share tips and advice about everything from where to purchase plants to finding out the names of plants. “It’s a great way to connect with local gardeners,” said member and Broomall resident Karen Rice. “Gardeners always love sharing what they know. It’s a lovely community.”
Broomall residents Helen Griffin and Christine Pancoast started the group several years ago. “We’ve really built community connections,” said Christine. For the past four years, Christine as well as her 
neighbors Cindy DeAngelis, and April Else have welcomed members to visit their homes in the Spring, for a garden tour, plant exchanges and, refreshments. They also offer a lot of expertise. Cindy is a longtime Broomall resident and a member of the Bala Cynwyd Garden Club, The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society, the Marple Beautification Society and the Marple Tree Commission. April is a member of the Master Gardeners of Delaware County, the Indoor Plant Society of the Delaware Valley, Delaware Valley Branch of the American Begonia Society and the Philadelphia Cactus and Succulent Society.
Members bring a variety of items, ranging from houseplants and garden perennials to seeds, cuttings, and even extra pots or tools, to exchange with others. “The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, and open to both experienced gardeners and beginners to participate,” Christine added.
For members who couldn’t attend last year’s afternoon exchange, Karen offered members to gather at her home in the evening for hors d’oeuvres, mocktails and gardening. “It was a great opportunity to meet people who I would have otherwise never met.”
Beyond simply trading plants, the Marple/Delco Plant Exchange is a place where neighbors connect. Karen, an avid gardener who has been gardening since she was a young girl, said she’s always learning something new. “No matter how long you’ve been planting, there is always new information and tips to learn from your neighbors,” she said. “That is what makes it fun. Whether someone arrives with a tray of seedlings or just curiosity, they’re likely to leave with something new, both in terms of plants and knowledge.”
The Pancoast family collaborates with Kids Against Hunger (KAH) United, a non-profit humanitarian organization whose mission is to feed the hungry through food sharing, advocacy and community engagement. Founded by Broomall resident Heather Griesser LaPierre, KAH provides fully nutritious food to impoverished children, individuals and families locally and around the world. They also have a local food pantry where families shop for themselves during twice-monthly distributions. Thanks to Broomall resident Teddy Pilco, KAH also has a community garden. Teddy created the garden in 2023 for his Eagle Scout Project.
S. Pancoast Topsoil & Mulch annually donates soil to the community garden and Christine, her husband and her son and his friends help maintain the garden. Karen donates starter plants from her own green house. “It just shows that even small, local efforts can help cultivate both healthy food and stronger community connections,” said Christine.
Just a few miles away… For anyone thinking of starting a garden, Karen explained that it can be simple and rewarding with a few basic tips: First, start small. Focus on a few easy-to-grow plants like herbs or tomatoes so you can build confidence and learn as you go. Second, use great soil. It’s a key component that really matters. Lastly, don’t overwater; most beginner gardeners tend to water too often, but it’s better to check that the soil is dry an inch below the surface before watering again.
Interested in joining the Marple/Delco Plant and Gardening Exchange and Advice group? Gardeners of all levels are welcome. For more information, visit their Facebook page.