Gardengal48 first, the original question asked about moving to an area for gardening, so that is what I answered. Obviously most people cannot move only for best gardening. Second, I could not disagree with you more. Pollinators are one aspect of a very complex system of specific interactions that have evolved together so that every aspect fulfills a specialized niche in the ecosystem. I have a Master’s in both Wildlife Biology and Environmental Education. Did you know that songbirds gain their coloring for specific proteins found in their food sources? Each different protein will create a specific color. During migration and mating season, these proteins are by far the most important food source for each species of bird since a female will choose a male to mate with based first on his color brightness. The highest concentration of the proteins are found in many different species of moth caterpillars. Each caterpillar has a specific host species or genus that it eats, and nothing else. As the native moth caterpillars, that the native birds seek out, only eat native plant species, then without those plants both animal species are out of luck. There are thousands upon thousands of other examples like this, so just because pollinators drink nectar or collect pollen from non native plants that is where it stops. Not to mention many non native species that are used by gardeners end up escaping cultivation and become nasty problems in the surrounding wild areas. In my area, NW Ohio, 3 species that escaped cultivation have devastated many of the last remaining swamps of the Lake Erie Basin - Purple Loosestrife, Phrafmites Reed Grasses, and Asian Honeysuckle bushes and vines (multiple varieties). This has effected the water table, fish species, bird species, soil composition, etc. Every plant we plant as humans has an impact on every species since plants are the base of the food web, so what we chose can either be extremely beneficial, neutral, damaging, or extremely negatively altering. Being educated about each choice and their impacts is very important and can hopefully help save species that are currently on the brink and stop any more from becoming that way.

Hi Gina...it's NOT in bad taste to see if folks will be bringing certain plants they are looking for. It certainly isn't a secret. I think folks are anxious for people to get things they are looking for at a swap. In fact, some folks set up trades via email beforehand that are separate from the group swap - and put those plants in their cars before the actual big swap begins. (I think Hostalavista and Michigan Betty do that with certain hostas since they are both collectors) I will be bringing some pots of hardy crainsbill geraniums to the swap. Time (spring) will tell me which ones...later on. In fact, I am hoping someone has Achillea Taygeta. I would LOVE a division of that plant. Sounds like there will be quite a few folks bringing their left over winter sown plants for swapping!! Fun! Think sunshine!.......Beverly

Well, I just want to let everyone know that Lee, my DH, is working on posting the pics that he took at the swap. They will appear once we get an account with Photobucket or the like. There are about 50 pics so get your cuppa in hand before you sit down to look at them. Karen/Bakemom-I should have had Jeanne take my photo. Lee doesn't make me look skinny! Margie/Granny 57- Isaac is all healed up. My wrist is better but I have tennis elbow that was masked by the wrist pain. The only cure is complete rest for the joint. My right elbow! Like that's going to happen with a mother of five who gardens!!!!! Who will carry those eternal baskets of laundry? Have a great weekend everyone! Plant up those last few that are still in pots. I can't plant my trumpet vines until I get my gazebo made from my 8 foot satellite dish. I have one metal/wrought iron porch support lined up from freecycle. I just can't fit buying new ones into the budget. If you all know of any stray porch supports hanging around let me know. I'll be glad to give them a new home! ~~Mimi

Hi Diane,I was wondering if getting there at around 11:30 but at least before noon would be too late to come?My friend Sue won't be able to make it She is due to become a Grandmother for the first time any time now and is afraid to venture off.So I have another friend Jacquie who is coming with me and she doesn't get off till late early morning and we won't get on the road till around 9:30am or so and it's a good hour and half or better from here. So will I be too late? I sure hope not.Hope to see you all soon.