Here are quotes, notes, links and photos from a truly fulfilling evening, July 15, 2025: Rooted Together, Plant Party. The event was planned around Little Free Greenhouse, one of three swap boxes in Give & Take, outside the Harvard Ed Portal, 224 Western Ave., Allston.

“Join artist and educator Brooke Scibelli for a joyful summer celebration of plants, creativity, and community in our Learning Garden. Decorate planters, trade seeds, swap cuttings and add treasures to her public art installation in front of the building (co-created with Dyllan Nguyen).” ( quote from Harvard Ed Portal, Public Art, Swap Boxes )

“Brooke Scibelli is the co-founder of Non Issue Studio and a member of the Ed Portal’s 2024-25 Artist Pipeline Program.” ( quote from Harvard Ed Portal, Public Art, Swap Boxes )

“Enjoy light refreshments while you mingle, share ideas, and help shape the future of the interactive mural Give & Take: Swap Boxes for Allston-Brighton. Your input will inspire autumn’s swap box themes. No gardening experience needed—just curiosity and community spirit.” ( quote from Harvard Ed Portal, Public Art, Swap Boxes )

Most photos above show people engaged in decorating or filling pots, though many were also engaged in sharing ideas, information, and emotions. My own emotions featured great gratitude for this generous, welcoming, supportive, carefully organized event!

By the end, many people had brought completed pots to the donation station and packed other pots to take home.

After take-down of the Learning Garden, donated pots were settled in the Little Free Greenhouse to await future swaps.

“With rotating themes shaped by community input, Give & Take transforms simple exchanges into acts of kindness, care, and sustainability. Join the artists for free seasonal workshops. Engage in hands-on activities, fill the boxes with love, and co-create with neighbors. Small acts, big impact—one thoughtful (or whimsical!) swap at a time.” ( quote from Harvard Ed Portal, Public Art, Swap Boxes )

“Give and Take: Swap Boxes for Allston-Brighton interactive mural is on display through March 31, 2026 Open 24 hours a day/7 days a week outside the Ed Portal: Swap, connect, and create at this interactive public art installation.” ( quote from Harvard Ed Portal, Public Art, Swap Boxes )

More about this mural in earlier post: 3D Mural Features Swap Boxes: “Give & Take” Designed by Non Issue Studio