Submitted photo The “Bring One, Take One” plant exchange event returns for another year on July 25, accompanied by a plant and art sale.

The East Liverpool Garden Club was having a plant sale in 2022 and Merabeth Pinky Steffan, Master Gardener Volunteer, happened to be there. She was so inspired she decided to pioneer the first plant sale for the Ohio State University Master Gardener Volunteer’s Extension Program to go along with the plant exchange that had been taking place for years. She thought it would be fun and a great way to connect with the community, and this year, we are keeping the tradition.

Our Bring One Take One Plant Exchange and Plant and Garden Art Sale will be July 25, 2026, at the OSU Mahoning County Extension Office, 490 S. Broad St., Canfield. Check-in for the exchange is from 9 to 9:45 a.m., and it starts at 10 a.m. The exchange takes place outside so dress appropriately.

Bob and Marianna Eister are running the exchange and here are their guidelines. Bring a limit of five weed-free labeled plants to the exchange. You may bring perennials from your garden that have reseeded or need to be divided, shrubs that have suckers and have spread or house plants you no longer want. Plants must be free of insects and weeds. No invasive species. Please label your plants with the common name, flower color, expected height and growing conditions. Place your plants in clean pots or double bags with some of the original soil left on the roots. You will receive a ticket for each plant you bring. On the sound of the first bell, choose one plant. This process will repeat until all the plants are gone. This is a free event. You just need to bring plants to participate in the exchange.

The Plant and Art Sale will run from 9 a.m. to noon. We will have a variety of plants for sale including natives, shade and sun perennials, a variety of herbs, trees, shrubs and even some bulbs. You’ll also see house plants and some very unique terrariums crafted by Master Gardener Ed Miner. Many of our plants are sourced from MGV’s gardens. A gratitude of thanks goes out to David Burnham, Marilyn McKinley, Ed and Doreen Miner, and Pinky Steffan for sharing their plants so willingly.

Carolyn Fankhouser and Claire Glove are helping organize the Garden Art Sale, and we have some great pieces to sell already! We have decorative garden poles, bird houses, garden coasters, garden slates and lavender sachets to name a few.

Not only is this a great community event, it has been life changing for some of the attendees. Ryan Emmett Luchansky came to the plant sale in 2022 and, through her browsing, she met Master Gardener, David Sprague. Ryan was inspired by David to become a Master Gardener Volunteer herself.

The following year, she decided to chair the BOTO Exchange and Plant and Art Sale. Ryan said she felt compelled to continue the tradition because it helps our MGVs connect with the community, plus you get quality plants for bargain prices.

I personally decided to chair the Plant and Art Sale to expand my knowledge of plants, and I can’t wait to share all that I am learning! See you at the Exchange and Plant and Art Sale on July 25. We will accept cash or check.