On the morning after the tornadoes hit Atlanta, I drove over to East Atlanta with some neighbors for GGG's church plant sale, which had been cancelled. From there we went to her house to make sure she was ok. I've never seen such a frightening scene of devastation and destruction. In the midst of the chaos stood GGG's beautiful purple house, virtually untouched, but the implications were heartstopping. I would like to suggest that instead of our regular spring plant trade on April 19th, we volunteer to meet at GGG's house for a cleanup day of her backyard. Anyone who wants to bring plants to trade with each other could still do that, but I think it would be really great if we got together to pitch in and help with whatever is ready to be done in GGG's yard at that time. I would imagine that might be cutting up felled trees and branches, moving soil and rocks around, rebuilding garden beds, planting new trees and shrubs, for example. Those who are unable to do heavy work could offer moral support and carry glasses of sweet iced tea to the workers. I have not mentioned this to Glynis. But if she's agreable and thinks it would be helpful, what would everyone else think?

Here is the text only from our brochure... sorry if the spacing is kinda messed up. Join the Tyler Mountain YMCA Cross Lanes, WV For our first annual Plant & Garden Swap / Sale May 19th 9:00-12:00 8:00-9:00 Check In & Set Up 9:00-11:00 Plant Swap 11:00-12:00 Plant Sale The Tyler Mountain YMCA will be hosting a plant swap on May 19th, 2007, located in Cross Lanes. It will be held from 9 till noon. Bring any legal plants, trees, seeds, bulbs, cuttings, seedlings, and other garden related items to trade! There will be no cost of admission. Donations will be accepted by the YMCA. Make sure to clearly mark all items for identification. A table will be available for each participant, but feel free to bring additional items for your comfort at trading areas. Pre-trading is allowed. If you have any questions, please email them to chelonia0@yahoo.com or call the YMCA at 304-776-3323. General Information 8:00 am Registration and set up begins We ask that you sign in and leave an email or contact with us, so that we can add it to our database for next yearÂs swap. You will also be given a site at this time. 9:00 am  11:00 am  Swapping!!! 11:00 am  12:00  Plant Sale 12:00  Door Prizes  There is NO COST to attend! Donations will be accepted by the YMCA.  Open to the General Public  We will have this event RAIN OR SHINE! What to bring Bring any plants, seeds, bulbs, cuttings, seedlings, or any other garden related items to trade. You may also bring additional items for your comfort at trading areas, such as extra tables, shade awnings, chairs, container for tickets, wagons to carry your goodies around, etc. How will the swap work? Everyone must check in before setting up and choosing a table. A table will be available for each participant. As you go through check in, you will receive tickets in exchange for your plants. Then, you simply swap your tickets for someone elseÂs plants. Rare and exceptional plants or items will be worth more tickets than common plants. ExÂ1 ticket = small plants, bulbs, seeds, corms, common plants..etc. 2-5 tickets = rare plants, roses, trees, shrubs, garden related items, etc The person who ends up with the most tickets at the end of the swap will win a special prize!!! How will the sale work? If you do not wish to stay for the sale, you may donate your items to the YMCA for the sale. The plants will be priced according to the number of tickets they were worth. If you do choose to stay for the sale we ask that YOU collect the money for your own table, and that 50% of your proceeds be donated to the YMCA. (we only ask this so people wonÂt just show up and make this a money making event). You may also price your items at whatever you feel is fair. Rules and Guidelines Bring anything you think someone would want. Make sure plants are moist and in some type of container (Coffee Cans, pots, Styrofoam cups and even plastic bags are permitted). Seeds, bulbs, comers, etc. should be placed in clearly labeled bags or envelopes. Anything under tables or in personal wagons/carts is off limits to other swappers. Do NOT take any plants or from these areas. Children are allowed, but should be remain under supervision. Ask each swapper at their table if it is OK to take a certain plant and "pay" for it with your tickets. All plants should be labeled with permanent ink and clearly identified. Other helpful information is advised (e.g. sun-loving, purple blooms, drought tolerant, etc) Pre-trading is allowed. Please call ahead of time and pre-register at 304-776-3323. This will help us to organize efficiently. If you would like to volunteer or have any other questions, feel free to call at 304-776-3323 or email us at chelonia0@yahoo.com.

Please count me in. I will have to update my 'page' but I promise to get it done by this evening. I don't do many trades these days but I can't resist a Hosta swap, especially a 'Secret Hosta Swap'. Stardust

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