It WAS great, wasn't it? And treasure trove is right. What a fantastic selection! I definitely learned you guys are not scary at all!! What a nice bunch of grapes you all are. :-)

I came home so excited about everything I planted it all! Well, except for one thing ('cause I don't remember if it needs shade or sun). And so now, I am T-I-R-E-D, but it was worth it.

Thank you Adam/Ann and Marie!

Hi all. I had a wonderful time and thank you all so much for all the lovely plants. I felt like a kid in a candy store!!! I didn't plant a thing yet but i am sure I will be busy in the garden every day after work this week. Adam - the money tree is "pachira aquatica." Happy Gardening, everyone!
jen

Marie, thank you for your generous hospitality, I had an very enjoyable time. You and Ann pulled together a very nice event. It would have been fun in the pouring rain. I'm glad to have met so many dedicated and determined gardeners.

The distances traveled are measured in time or miles. Stephanie came down from Bath, Maine with several stops along the way for baby needs. Four hours, what a haul. Katy took a ferry to the mainland and drove 90 miles. I'm very impressed with their determination 4 hours !!

Unlike some, who insisted on going home with an empty vehicle I almost succeeded, my new plants are in the ground already.
Many thanks to those who I traded with. I look forward to spring 06.

Thanks to all for a memorable day.

Ron

i felt positively naughty waltzing off with all these delightful plants, and richer still for having an opportunity to meet you all. i learned a lot. marie, you have made a lovely home; thank you for your hospitality. and adam, you did a super-great job of organizing; your gentle persistence is greatly appreciated. looking forward to seeing everyone's scrubbed, smiling faces again in the spring.

and whoever ordered up the weather today -- good job!

I had a wonderful time, too. I love having everyone here, and meeting new and old faces. I don't how I'll get all my babies planted.

I was sacked out on the bed at 5:30, wishing the Advil would work better, and Steve came by with more plants! He lives in town. I refused to move from my prone position, however.

I will tell you that as soon as everyone left, my husband and I went to the nursery to pick up a load of compost and two red twig siberian dogwoods. Then we seeded the lawn, spread compost until he got thoroughly annoyed with the tedium. I finished up and raked. Then there's the chore of putting the sprinklers in just the right place.

See why I didn't move from the bed?

Someone left a chair. Webbed, with arms.

Hope to hear reports about fall planting and spring successes.

Warmly,
Marie

I, too, add my voice to the chorus of praise. And I have to confess I thoroughly enjoyed the cruise down (NPR Weekend Edition) and home again. I need to get out more. ;) I was once more reminded what a lovely, fun, informed group of gardeners turned out. It's such fun to put names to faces.

I failed dismally in my goal of returning home empty handed, but have plans for the disposal of the remaining Sibirian iris... hehehe...

And from whom did I receive the itty bitty "Blue Wave" hydrangea? I'm not quite sure what to do with it, maybe pot it on for the winter and heel it in with other refugees?

Hi All -

Yes, it was a great event. Thanks to Ann and Marie and everyone who was there; I really loved meeting you all.
My car was FAR from empty on the return trip, but what a relief to have cleared out the "waiting room".

Cheers - NaN (DtD)

A big thank you to Anne for the Merritts Supreme hydrangea. I had no idea it was going to be a full-grown plant, the more I read about it the happier I am to have it.

I'll bring you some cut flowers next fall!

Just wanted to add my name to the chorus of thank yous to Ann/Adam for organizing and Marie/IdaBean for once more sharing her wonderful garden and yard. What a blast this was, and such a great mixture of seasoned gardeners and newbies. I loved wandering around and listening in on all the little mini-lessons.

Everyone was so nice and so friendly and above all, generous! I planted my red twig dogwood that I got from AlicePalace, and it has perked right up again after a good watering and a night in the ground. I WILL get around to planting the rest. I love the cool, crisp days of Autumn for gardening.

Looking forward to the Spring swap too!

Alison

Hello all...

What another gorgeous day it is out today! Great day to get out and get some plants into the ground. :-) Taking a break so thought I would stop by and say hello. Yesterday's weather couldn't have been better. We certainly ended up with a crowd. I didn't get a chance to visit with as many people as I wanted to yesterday, but everyone I talked to was SO NICE! Alice, I didn't even get to meet you there yesterday...how did that happen?? lol We missed those of you who had to change your plans and couldn't attend. Fgirl, newfiewoofie, Scampi, littleonefb...we are counting on you making the next one. :-)

Well, I think swapping is such a great idea. It's easy to see that people love their gardens, so it makes it special to have a little piece of your gardens in mine now. I am also challenged to do a really good job of growing and propagating and preparing my plants for the next swap. A number of people there yesterday were exceptional examples of that. I think we all know who those people are and I hope they recognize themselves and give themselves a big pat on the back. We all know how much work it is to do that and it really does make a difference when you take home a plant that has been so well prepared and labeled. In the spring swap, I didn't even have labels on my plants..and I managed to at least get a little masking tape on them this time around. [g] But better the next time...maybe my printer will be working and I can bring printouts with growing info.

I also found I did not have the most popular plants..lol. Okay, how many hyperion daylily divisions did I bring you ask..lol. Try 12! They all came out of ONE huge plant. I came home with 3 so I guess that wasn't bad. The two plants that NO ONE wanted to take home were the STELLA and the Rudbeckia 'Goldstrum' ! Okay, so no more stellas and rudbeckia. I was trying very hard to be generous with so many of you that have been very generous with me. I WILL find more plants that people want to bring home the next time! [g]

Nan, I am so happy that you are enjoying the MS Hydrangea. I hope it blooms beautiful for you next year! Five years of it NOT blooming for me was enough frustration..lol.

You are also a very appreciative bunch and really the organizing was just answering email. Everyone chipped in and provided everything that was needed. Every person made the swap a success and I mean that sincerely. Marie has a lovely garden and setting and everything just seemed to work out just right.

Hooray for a successful conclusion to the 2005 Eastern Mass Swap.

Oh my goodness I spent today (Sunday) finding home for all of my new treasures (that I swore to my husband I wouldn't be bringing home). I had such a wonderful time meeting and greeting with you all. When I arrived home there were many questions from hubby, family, and friends, and all I could say was wow...hubby joe wanted to know if the plants came with holes already dug, daughters wanted to talk about the people I met...all I kept repeating was how knowledgeable, generouse, and friendly everyone was but most importantly there wasn't a single person I met without a great sense of humor. My girl friends wanted to know why I didn't bring them.
Every plant that I brought home was new to me and forced me to think in different gardening terms. I spent the day finding companions and looking at areas that I usually ignore. I can't wait to tell each of you indivually where I planted your baby and of course keep you updated next year. Thanks for a wonderful time. Katy

I too want to add my thanks, it was wonderful. I've only gotten about half into the ground, but it's all going in before the end of the week, I swear!

--Carolyn

katy, i introduced your creeping hydrangeas to the neighbors today. we ooooo'd & ahhhhhh'd. i can not get over how healthy & gorgeous they are, thank you again.

chelone, i kept wanting to snitch more iris from you, but i was trying so hard to combat my natural plant-lust. har. i found nice spots today for the lovely gigantic armload you gave me.

anybody know if very wee hellebores should get planted outside or nursed inside over the winter? i'm thinking inside this year ...

I had a wonderful time, too; many thanks to all of you. I came home with treasures (although I did bring fewer plants home than I brought to the swap), but, even better (what--better than plants?!) I came home inspired and genuinely happy to have spent a morning with such kind, generous and funny people. Adam, you did a superb job organizing. And Marie, your gardens inspired me to go out and weed mine, more thoroughly than I had in weeks, and work towards making my garden as beautiful as yours. I haven't planted anything yet...but boy, do I have plans.

Thanks again,
Amanda

Oh, one more thing. I handed out some "Antennaria rubra." I realized today that I was using either an obsolete or just plain wrong name. It's Antennaria dioica. Sorry.

Amanda

I just wanted to say Thank You to Marie for letting us have the swap at her truly beautiful garden and Adam for keeping things organized and smooth! I had alot of fun meeting people! My sons older sis Mellissa informed me she was pretty sure we all have a sickness, but she did get quite excited by the nice Aloe she received! Maybe she has it too :) Also, Thank you to the gentleman who kindly brought her cobbler when she was holding my baby, that was nice, sorry I can't remember your name, some days I'm lucky to remember mine!! What a great day it was, fun and gorgeous out!! Thanks for all my lovely plants, I am going to be busy this week. Steph

I had a good time at the swap, it was such fun to meet everyone. I agree with Ron, it would have been fun the rain; but the beaufiful weather and Marie's lovely garden made it great.

Thanks to Marie for being the hostess, and to Adam/Ann for organizing us.

Chelone, will I see iris growing in the median strip of I-95 on my way to Maine next summer?!

Marie_of_roumania, you don't have to fight your plant lust around us, we all have it!

Hope to see everyone again in the spring.

-Wendy

Hello All.
Check out the pictures from Sat. swap. I put it up a separate post with the heading "Pictures from Eastern Mass Fall Swap."

That was fun wasn't it? Thank you all, I returned home with many beautiful plants. I haven't gotten anything in the ground yet, but will soon. Happy Gardening.

Kita

Wow-I am sitting here drooling (my Newf does some of that too!) over the thoughts of all the plants, info, and camaraderie that took place on Saturday. The picures were great! Sorry to miss it-I am looking forward to meeting you all in Spring.
Newfiewoofie

>anybody know if very wee hellebores should get planted outside or nursed inside over the winter?

Hi MoR - I was wishing I'd kept those back to baby them until the spring swap! I wouldn't try to keep them indoors, just in a protected spot outside. If they're watered well until frost, planted in shade, and mulched, they should do fine. I will pot up a bunch and bring them next spring, so don't worry if they expire over the winter.

thanks, DTD, will do. i have a good spot & high hopes for their survival. such little cuties, they are.

AlicePalace, your stuff is already in the ground?? Holy cow! I thought I was doing well to put Belinda's Dream in the ground on Saturday! *LOL* I'm trying to do a few plants every day.

Marie, thank you again for hosting at your lovely garden. Every time I walk through it I learn new plants (and now I'm looking for toad lilies online *lol*).

Ann, thank you for organizing-- we had quite a crowd. *G*

Everyone-- it was great seeing people from the spring swap as well as meeting new swappers.

Yes, Greening, can you believe it? Who knows whether everything will stay, over time, where I put it on Saturday, but for now it will have to do. There wasn't going to be another opportunity to get them in the ground: My daughter's birthday was Sunday ... and with a full-time job, there's no such thing as planting during the week ... and I'm going to have to start chipping away at putting the gardens to bed starting this weekend or I'll never be done by Thanksgiving. So much gardening, so little time. !!!!

Whoever gave me the Candy Lilies -- I looked it up and it looks like SUCH A NEAT PLANT! I can't wait til I can see them bloom next year. How will I ever make it through the winter??

Speaking of which ... runktrun, I have found a sheltered spot for the little hydrangeas and I hope they will make it through the winter. Any advice?

Best to you all. Would it be too early to do it again next weekend? LOL :-)

Alice

HI Greening/Aga,
You can learn about them on line, but I'm sure they are still available and ready to plant at nurseries. Last year, before they moved, I got two beauties at Mahoney's on mem drive. Give them a call. All they need is decent soil, enough water, and shelter from too much sun. I have not found them fussy. The only one that died, croaked because I pulled it up accidently.

I forget if Plant Delights on-liine cataloge has pix, but they do have a variety of tricyrtis (gotta practice the Latin). It is a wonderful catalogue, on line or off.

I'm sorry the swap is over.
Marie

Gaura planting question.

Saturday, some one asked about fall planting of Gaura. I spent some time reading up on the question. I couldn't find any thing based on text or other information available from nurserymen who sell these plants into the autumn.

These were potted plants and not transplants. On the GW, Perennials forum, the question was kicked a round a little, nobody sighted any definitive language from a notable source, breeder, grower or propagator. It was suggested that Gaura have a tap root and that's why it shouldn't be planted in the fall. I couldn't find any information to refute fall planting or transplanting evan if Gaura has a tap root.

Having propagated about a dozen plants with astonishing long thin fine roots in a record short period of time. I have taken one of those same potted plants and washed the soil away, no sign of a tap root. I guess spring will give us the answer.

If any one has contrary information please post it.

Thanks Ron

Hi Ron.
I am the one who questionned fall transplant of gaura. I think I read that at Bluestone? Or maybe I read it here somewhere? I did plant 3 last fall, 1 emerged in early summer, 1 more in late summer that is still struggling, and the last 1 is missing, I fear. So...I've put your Pink Fountain in the ground, and am hoping for the best! I, too, didn't notice any tap root on the one I just planted. Thanks for this beautiful plant! I so hope to see it again next year.

ML,

http://www.bluestoneperennials.com
check it out they are listing Gaura "available fall 2005" they were one company that I looked into for info.

Ron

BTW, DaWiff/Alison, I'm so happy the red-twig dogwood perked back up for you. I like happy endings!!

Hi there

Butting in here about the guara. I'm so new to gardening that I tend to put things where they shouldn't go and then move them.

Well, I didn't like where my guara was and moved it about a month ago amd snipped it back a bit (it seemed rather spindly) It gave me NEW BLOOMS! Silly plant....didn't seem to have any issue with being moved around or manhandled at all!

I'm slinking in VERY belatedly--my week was totally out of control--but add my THANKS to the chorus: to Marie and Ann, to those who relieved me of some plants:-) and especially to all those who had some for me. Mine are all still in a pot ghetto, but "tomorrow is another day" as Scarlett O'Hara would say:-).

Betsy/Sequoia

Betsy, don't feel bad about the pot ghetto. I was giving away some extras from the swap, and the first thing the person said when she walked into the yard was... "So, I can see you do a lot of container gardening." Oi. *G*

Aga, sorry I forgot do dig up that butterfly bush and send it through D&R on Sunday. We're still going to dig it up, it's it a bad place, so if you would like it, we can try to find a way to get it up to you. The flowers are lavender.

--Carolyn

Hi All -
> I, too, didn't notice any tap root on the one I just planted.

I just pulled up (literally) a few gaura volunteers. They were 3 or 4' tall and just in the wrong place, like a lot of other things in my yard!

They definitely have tap roots. These may not develop until the plant is mature, or they may not be evident in pot-grown plants, I don't really know.

Actually, I'd dug a few before the swap, and found it hard to get a solid root ball, the tap root was there but there were not enough roots to hold a ball of soil. They wilted so badly I didn't bring them. I'll keep them this winter, and if they look better in spring, I'll bring them then.

May I have the recipe for that most excellent plum torte that our Martha's Vineyard swapper brought? I found the small plums and I'm ready to bake!

Sorry for name recall failure. It is chronic.
Marie

Hi Idabean. I'll see if I can unearth it, and I'll email it to you.
ML

Marie -- I forgot that we're not supposed to call you Idabean. Sorry....
I can't access your email address from your member page, so I'll post the recipe here, tho I fear it is OT?

Easy Plum Torte by Autumn Hills Orchard in Groton MA
1/2 c uns butter
3/4 c sugar
1 c unbleached flour, sftd
1 tsp baking powder
pinch salt
2 eggs
10-12 pitted purple plums, halved
sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon for topping

Preheat oven to 350. Cream butter and sugar in bowl. Add flour, bkg pwdr, salt and eggs and beat well. Spoon batter into 8 or 9" spring form pan. Place plum halves, skin side up, on top of batter in circular pattern. Sprinkle with lemon jce, cinn, sugar to taste. Bake approx 50 min, til center springs back and edges are lightly browned. EAT and enjoy!

Hi Mayalena,
Truthfully, I don't mind Idabean. that was the moniker my dear friend, Winn, gave to our very sweet, very stupid beagle. Both have died, so maybe I was saying "idabean" makes me sad. But it also makes me happy to have something else to remember Winn by.

The rest of the Ida message was "Idabean, dog machine" If you have ever owned a beagle, you know that temperment aside, those dogs have 50% of their wiring directly t the nose, 40% to the stomach, and 100 % to their sweet temperment. They are masters of the garbage cans.

Thanks for the opportuntity to reminise.
Marie