Hi folks... I had a blast today at the swap. It was great fun to see so many long time friends and make some new gardening friends too. We had over 100 people and over 2000 plants for sharing. Awesome! At our first swap in 2001 there were 28 people... it's was so fun to see some of those same people at the swap today. Thanks to everyone for coming with such a kind and sharing heart - that's what it is all about. Everyone seemed to go home with lots of new plants. :-) Murray and I came home with some tomatoes, sedums, lillies, coneflowers and many more. Thanks so much. Of course, thanks to folks for bringing a wonderful array of tastey potluck food! I say this every year... gardeners sure can cook and bake. Thanks to folks that donated door prizes. We always get such a neat array of goodies to choose from One last thanks to everyone who came with a kind generosity of spirit. Good gardening to you all! Beverly

Here are directions to Mill Race Park.... Take I-65 South to Exit 76A (Columbus/Taylorsville - US 31 South Exit), merge onto 31 South, get and stay in right hand lane. You'll go through 3 stop lights Light #1 Big Foot gas station on right side of road. Light #2 Silgas propane business bldg on left side of road, large propane tank out front, with SILGAS in big letters. (You'll drive a little distance between each of these lights). As soon as you go through light #3, you'll veer to the right onto exit IN-11 South (I think there's a sign above the stop light or just past the stop light that says Downtown Columbus). Follow IN-11 South to the first stop light, turn right at light (Lindsey Street) get in the right hand lane, park is on right, watch for Mill Race Park entrance on right (it's before the next light). I'll have a sign or balloons or something, to mark the entrance to the park, and leading to where we are in the park. (I won't know where we'll set up, until the day of the swap). If by some chance you miss the IN-11 South exit, (that means you went straight instead of veering to the right onto 11), go to the next stop light (Washington Street) turn right onto Washington Street, take Washington Street to 5th Street, turn right onto 5th Street, take 5th Street as far as you can (2 blocks I think) and you'll be right across from the park entrance. If all else fails, stop anywhere and ask how to get to Mill Race Park. I'm horrible at giving directions, so if they don't make sense let me know, I'll get someone to 'splain them better. 'Chele (aka Micky)

WHAT: ANNUAL FALL PERENNIAL PLANT SWAP AND POTLUCK FOR SW MICHIGAN WHERE: THE CITY PARK IN WAYLAND MICHIGAN (between Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo on US 131) WHEN: 24 SEPTEMBER, 2005 TIME: 11AM to 2PM Even if you have no plants to share, come and join us for the potluck - (we have the best cooks and the most delicious food) and meet other gardeners from the area. FOR MORE INFORMATION GO TO "GET-TOGETHERS" FORUM HERE ON GARDEN WEB: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/gather/msg080049309057.html - OR - Send an email to MichiganPerennials@yahoo.com BRING YOUR PLANTS, BRING A FRIEND AND THEIR PLANTS AND COME JOIN US FOR A DAY TO REMEMBER! Here is a link that might be useful: Perennial Swap Information

What fun is a potluck if you what what everyone is bringing?? Where's your sense of adventure? Wouldn't it still be fun even if everyone brought a bag of chips :-) Actually I haven't a clue and will not be figuring it out until tomorrow morning which is my normal grocery day! I'll bring the surprise item.