Only two more days to get stuff done before we hit the road! We're all so stinking excited, we're vibrating!

I'm sewing door prizes tonight and tomorrow, then baking on Friday.

Yee haw!

Diane

OK, here's the list of tomato plant varieties I'm planning to bring to the Spring Fling. Read it and drool, then figure out how many of these sweet little plants you want. I'm bringing about 175 tomato plants to the Spring Fling and if someone doesn't adopt them and take them home, they become compost.

1. Baker Creek Family Heirloom
2. Berkeley Tie Dye
3. Black Brandywine
4. Black Cherry
5. Black Krim
6. Brandy Boy
7. Brandymaster, Red
8. Brandymaster, Yellow
9. Cherokee Purple
10. Dana's Dusky Rose
11. Dixie Golden Giant
12. Dora
13. Fabulous
14. Gary O Sena
15. Golden Cherokee
16. Golden Sweet Yellow Grape
17. Heidi
18. Heinz 1439
19. Indian Stripe
20. JD's Special C-Tex
21. Jet Star
22. Juliet
23. KBX
24. Mama Leone
25. Mountain Pride
26. Mountain Princess
27. Moreton
28. Nebraska Wedding
29. Pink Climber
30. Prime Time
31. Rutger's Select
32. Santa Clara Canner
33. Sprite
34. Suncherry
35. Sungold
36. Supersonic
37. Sweet Million
38. Sweet Treats
39. Tennessee Britches
40. Tennessee Heirloom
41. Tess's Land Race Currant
42. Texas Star
43. Tomatoberry
44. Tumbling Tom Red
45. Tumbling Tom Yellow
46. Valena Pink
47. Yellow Jelly Bean

Ooh, I've gotta swipe a Tess. I meant to order seeds and forgot.

Diane

I'm staying away until everyone else gets a shot at Dawn's list. But for obvious reasons I'm putting in for a #10! Never even knew it existed.

Dawn, I would LOVE a clove currant. Ever since reading Lee Reich's book on edible landscaping, I have had it on the list. Never seen it anywhere though.

I do have to warn you and anyone I have trades with (I think only soonergrandmom- sweet autumn clematis) that it has been up and down with scheduling. Right now it looks like I will be there. Of course, I have'nt started digging up anything!LOL! I was hooing to avoid the last minute swap rush, but no luck. Oh well, it is like shopping and prepping on Christmas Eve for the big day.

Can't wait to see everyone!

Andria

I will be bringing tomatoes also, but I see things on Dawn't list I would like. I would love another Tess, because only one of mine germinated. I also would like to grow a tumbling tom or two in a handing pot. Talk about greed......I have more than I have room for now. LOL

Tigerdawn -- I'd love to have "a little" of your orange mint and "a whole lot" of your blue spruce sedum.I've got a new rock bed that is aching for groundcover, and the blue spruce would be ideal.

Does anyone have time to take some photos of their gardens/yards to bring Sat??? Even looking at the pictures on each others cameras would be great. If you have time to send pictures to me via email, I could put them on my laptop and bring it.We're running out of time till Sat,(yes, I know the clock is ticking!) but I just really want to see what everybody's stuff looks like.

Dorice

Dorice, I have a photobucket account. There's too many to print, but you are more than welcome to look at them.

The main file, the Yard Shots file and the butterfly convergence file all have pics of my flowers.

Lisa

Here is a link that might be useful: Lisa's Photobucket

Here's an updated list of what I am bringing in addition to broccoli salad.

Sweet Banana Pepper sprouts (way too small to call plants)
Jalapeno M Pepper sprouts
Dahlia Unwin's Dwarf I sowed two crates of these specifically for the swap. It has not been warm enough for them to germinate, but I'm brining them anyway, because I just don't need 2 crates in addition to what should sprout for me.
Agastache plants
One or more door prizes
Dessert

I will dig up the following for anyone who requests by noon Friday (supplies are limited):
Tall Phlox
Strawberries
very limited supply of Ajuga

Looking forward to seeing everyone?

mrsfrodo, any chance you'll be bringing zuchetta again this year? That was an amazing thing to grow.

Paula- I think I am going to bring a big grain salad- think taboleh, made with quinoa & lots of parsley. I am hoping to bring the book "Carrots Love Tomatoes" for a door prize.

Seed mama- I don't have any zuchetta started, but I would be glad to bring some seeds. They are a few years old, but so are all my curbit seeds and they have germinated well.

Dawn- I'm hoping for a Black Cherry tomato, although I have no idea where I am going to put it.

Susanlynne- It seems like you were looking for a large pot for a tree. How large do you need (diameter & height?)? I might have one that would work.

If any one has any seeds for storage tomatoes, I would love some for fall tomoatoes.

The peppers were a bust w/ seed starting. Any one with Relleno's, Anco/Poblano, and Bell pepers?

Since I haven't started pot up anything, here's what is in the yard. If you ask, that will be what I pot first.
Chives- white flowered
Orange daylilies
Stella d'Oro daylilies
Yellow Coreopsis
Sweet Autumn Clematis
Pink shamrocks
Star of Bethlehem
Iris- rust with purple
Parsley
Saffron crocus
Mums- White with pink
Surpise Lilies/Naked Ladies
Mint
A few misc extra's from seed starting: tomatoes, cucs, squash/zucchini, basil, chard, etc.

I have extra, empty flats to give away. I collected way too many from the landscapers at work.

Andria

Andria, I have some Burpee LongKeeper tomato seeds if you'd like them. They're maybe 2-3 years old, a partial packet from Pinetree. I just don't think I'll ever get around to planting them. Holler if you want them and I'll cram them in my purse tonight because I know I'll forget them if I wait or put them elsewhere. (You may have to remind me to dig in my purse at the swap. LOL)

Diane

Andria - I think that grain salad sounds great!!! I can't wait to taste everything that you all are bringing! I've been on a mission to change my eating patterns (aka "diet") and in 10 day's, I've lost 6 lbs. Between working in the garden and walking 2 miles everyday, I finally growing some "junk in my trunk"! LOL! I'm saving all my "cheats" for Saturday! I FINALLY got the chicken ordered today.

Seedmama - it was you, wasn't it that wanted the not-hot jalepenos.

Andria - I've got some Big Bertha's and Commandant bells started for the swap. I'll have a few left of the San Martin Ancho's and Numex Sunrise Ancho's too (they're yellow and medium heat). I've also got your Black Cherry! I wouldn't mind a few of the Stella d'Oro daylillies IF you have time, but don't worry if not. I think they're beautiful and my MIL is a bit stingy with hers. heh!

Looks like I should have started more peppers because we're going to have plenty of tomatoes.

I'm running around like a CRAZY PERSON getting ready. If I stay busy it won't seem like so long before you all get here!!!! Looks like weather-wise, we're going to have a beautiful day!

Signed,
Nutso Newbie

Andria, I can probably spare a few peppers. How many are you looking for? I take any and all seed trays and small pots, so if you bring them, don't expect to take them home. I won't take them if anyone else wants them, but I can always use more. Thanks. Carol

Carol- I think I have some of the hardplastic little cups to share with you. I've really liked the ease of the styrofoam cups so I'm going to stick with that. DH says I have to buy them at Sams next year cause I've gone thru so many. Sorry, I'm being stingy with my trays...heh!

Seedmama, I would love some tall phlox.

Mrs. Frodo: Can I have a few surprise lilies?

Two door prizes are finished and I think I'll get another one or two done as well. (My pr-mary sewing machine is in the shop so I'm using my cantankerous secondary -- and it's giving me fits. Because of that, my door prizes will have a definite homemade look to them. Heh.)

Tomorrow starts the baking!

Sorry, just so excited about the swap that I feel the need to give you all a play-by-play. LOL Is it Saturday yet?!

Diane

Paula, would you like some help getting ready on Saturday morning? I can come whenever you need and I am strong and can lift and carry things.

I'm making some little graph paper gardening books for prizes or giveaways. I also have some old mini greenhouse seed starting kits that my boss gave me. They're dirty but still good. We don't have to use them but someone may want them.

Tomorrow evening is set aside for the humongous apple pie. ;-) Are there any other gaps in the menu?

p_mac- yes, ma'am, that was me on the no heat.

mrsfrodo, I'd like to grow one plant of the zucchetta, and remind me to tell you the story from last year. Let others have first shot at the surprise lilies. If you have any left, I'd like to get a couple started.

lisa- gotcha covered on the tall phlox

dawn- I haven't seen you post any wishes...

Did I respond to all? If I missed you, let me know.

SM

I sure would like some tall phlox as well, if there is enough.

I am still planning on bringing coleslaw.

imp

Seedmama - I've got all yours set aside. Several have 2 that sprouted in one cup...so you've got at least 10+ plants coming your way

Andria - yours too!!!

tigerdawn - thank you! I don't think I'll have that much to do...DH is in charge of setting up the tables and I'll only have 2 large flats to lug out...but if you want to come a bit early I could use the companionship! I don't think we have any gaps in the food. These thing always work out to be a feast...just make sure you bring that apple pie!!! I'll be here after running last minute errands, puttering around after 10:30 or so.

O M G....did I REALLY call this party???? This is really the first "cold feet" I've had .... I'm so scared I've forgotten something. But the Good News is .... I know you all are giving and forgiving...so it's all good!

Paula aka Nutso Newbie aka Nervous Nellie

Paula,

Please don't get all in a tizzy (is that really a word?) trying to knock yourself out for this gathering. I'm sure I speak for the majority that when we're sitting under a nice shade tree with a cool breeze on our face, the world is a perfect place. We'll enjoy getting together, meeting new friends or seeing familiar faces. You providing such a wonderful, relaxing setting is picture perfect just as it is. So take a deep breath and get ready for all the smiles that will come your way.

Looking forward to Saturday.

Lynn

soonergranmom- I have plenty of trays- just got to remember a way to tie them down in the truck.

seedmama- I get a few zuchetta seeds set aside for you. I abused mine the year I grew them, so I would love to know how they did for you.

Paula- Stella's have your name on them. Yeah a black cherry. I thread here sold me on the flavor.

Lisa- There are some suprise lilies where they need to be moved. There are now "Lisa's lilies".

Diane- I would love some long keeper tomatoes.

Paula and Sooner grandma- I think I was looking for a total of 3 bells, 3 ancho/poblanos, and 3 rellenos. My husbands cayennes were the only peppers that germinated- and he doesn't look beyond cayennes for peppers. Think 9 peppers are enough for 1 person? BLT's are GREAT with a little bell pepper. Hmmmm......Summer morning breakfast in the summer.

Paula,
Take a deep breath and relax. I didn't meet anyone at last year's swap who would fall into the "ladies who lunch" category. If they did, it was well hidden. We're just a diverse group of down to earth gardeners who want to get together and are grateful you've given us a place to do it. No one is expecting you to "entertain" us, and you've already go above and beyond. Thanks so much!

Seedmama

you'll all be getting ready to make the trip if you're not already on the road!!!!

The Porta-Potty is here! Just delivered!!!! I'm really impressed with this company! It's so clean you can even smell it! It came fully stocked with hand-sanitizer AND T-P! I think it's going to be worth every penny!

Now I'm off to replace a mater and pepper that didn't survive the transplant...but I'm not putting anything else in the garden until Sunday. I can't stand the thought of Dawn throwing any left-over tomatoe starts in the compost pile...hehe!

Paula

Andria, I'll be bringing a mix of pepper plants if I can squeeze one more flat into the pickup. (Paula, I don't want for you to pass out when I start unloading flat after flat of plants. You know how I am....I grow too many, and I'm bringing bunches and bunches with me.) There will be some hots, some sweets and some ornamental ones (their fruit is edible too although most folks can't take their heat).

Seedmama, I don't have a big wish list....I have too many plants (OK, that shouldn't surprise anyone) and too little improved soil as it is here). I am hoping to get one of Diane's elderberries and some of Tigerdawn's orange mint.

I'm sure a few other plants will spontaneously jump into my arms.

It sounds like everyone is/has been meticulously potting up all kinds of goodies, dividing bulbs, tubers and perennials, etc. and simultaneously reading through this thread and maniacally plotting new acquisitions and where to put them! Honestly, you'd think we all have 'a little plant addiction' going on. That's not true, is it?

Paula, Relax and coast now....you've done all the hard work with organizing and preparing, and I hope you can just relax and enjoy the whole gang tomorrow....and what a group we will be!

Oh, and if anyone wants to try Rhubarb as either an edible or an ornamental plant, I'm bringing a lot of seedlings. I raised these from seed sown either in Feb. or March and I sowed a whole packet because I've never grown Rhubarb from seed and had no idea what kind of germination I'd get (100%, apparently). Rhubarb is one of those plants I keep trying and trying to grow. Usually, I cannot keep it alive through the summer though. I think it doesn't like our heat and our all-too-common summer droughts. Last year, it likely would have been happy, but last year I didn't plant any, naturally. This year, I'll put some in full sun, some in dappled shade, and see if I have better luck. Tim likes it so I keep trying and trying to raise it. If I can't keep these plants alive through the summer, I'll sow more seed in the fall and try to overwinter it so it will spring up out of the ground next year and make enough stalks to keep Tim happy before it dies in the July/August heat.

OK, I need to get outside and do some garden-type work.

I'll check back later for the 'latest news update'.

By the way, did all you OU fans notice that Sam Bradford was the #1 pick in the first round of the NFL Draft last night, and several other Sooners and one OSU Cowboy went pretty high too....like in the top ten or twelve. It looks like the NFL has 'harvested' some talented young men from our state this year. OK, so the NFL Draft isn't gardening-related, and I know that, but I was just so excited to see these young men achieve their dream of being drafted by NFL teams.

Dawn

I got the following dug up and potted yesterday:

I think I have 6 .
2 of what I hope is catnip, but some other similar thing is also growing so I can only hope I got the right one.
9 white datura/angel's trumpets
4 that I think are the purple angel's trumpets, the under side of the tiny leaves on them do look decidedly purple.
4 or 5 I think there are 5, but my sister may claim one before we get there.

I also apprehended 3 escapees who'd gone over the wall and through the fence (bird netting) into the yard. So I have 3 pots with everbearing Ozark Beauty strawberries.

I'm running out of pots. I have even reused every one I got at the swap last year. I still want to dig up a red canna or two, but I may not be able to put them in pots although if they get replanted right away I'm not sure they will care. I think I still have some that haven't yet sprouted.

I also have a {{gwi:1099130}} that's in too much shade to be happy. If it hasn't yet started sprouting I can dig it up and bring it, too.

Debra

Andria, I'm not seedmama, but I grow Zucchetta and love it. I only had a few seeds left this year so I hope mine germinate. I will order new seed for it next year.

First of all, it is prolific, and the squash are very large, but all of the seeds are in the bulb part and when eaten as summer squash the seeds are insignificant. I cooked it all of the same ways I cook summer squash, plus I sliced the skinny parts and made squash pickles.

Insects were not a problem for me at all.

The only negative is that it is H-U-G-E, and you need a big place for it to run. Mine were in a huge container and they climbed a 6 foot CRW cage, back down the cage and onto the ground about 12-15 feet in several directions. Growing vertical they are straighter, and on the ground they tend to curl.

One more thing. I wonder how stable it is because I planted 3 seeds and one of them produced a harder fruit which I just discarded. The other two vines produced perfect fruit everytime.

Andria, the LongKeeper seeds are in my purse -- remind me! LOL

I'm linking below to a sneak preview of the door prizes I'm bringing. :-D

Here is a link that might be useful: I'm not good at keeping secrets!

Well fizzle. It looks like DH is getting called back to work and I'll end up having to go to Perryton, TX tomorrow. I'm going to have to miss all the fun. :^(

Have a great day everyone; I'll be with you in spirit.

Diane,
Enjoyed the pictures of the items you made. My Mother loved to sew and was a very accomplished seamstress. Reminded me of precious memories I have of her sewing. A lost art for so many anymore. My Mother was such a perfectionist that she would make my younger sister tear things out and redo them and really killed her interest in sewing. Was easier to let MeMa do it. I felt for her as she continued to sew till her passing. But with the Parkinson's disease she could no longer make the perfect stitches ect she once did. For a while it frustrated her till she finally accepted her limitations. I know whoever wins the prizes will cherish them. Jay

Uh... would someone please send me the address and/or map. I can't seem to find it.

A sheepish Andria;)

as Dawn would say..."Good Heavens, Woman!" teehee!!! I'll send it again right now! You've got to get here! You have goodies waiting!

Paula aka no-longer Nervous Nellie....

aren't you guys here yet?????

I'll be there in 15 hours!!

Littledog - dang it! Doesn't his job know that his wife has a garden life? j/k....my DH was out of a job for 15 months. Gotta give your man credit. In this economy, no one can "fluff off" a paying job. We will miss you! But there's always the fall and next spring!

Tigerdawn - IIIIIII KNOW!!! I'm SO excited!!! Since you're so close I know you'll be here a bit earlier than some of the others and I'm READY!!! A few of things I would rather have finished before you guys all got here aren't done...but OH WELL! I'm over it! I'm looking forward to tomorrow!

I still haven't remembered those danged balloons that I told you all to look for. If I have half a brain in the morning, I'll pick them up when I run my last errand. Other than that, look for a sign by our drive that DH is finishing as I type this. It says "OK GW FLING". This is the Happenin' Place, where the party starts....and I can't wait to see all of you!

Sadly....this time tomorrow it will all be over...except for the planting. You all know I'm probably going to be the one to start a thread about "the after party", right? heh!

Paula

Diane, Oh, what a door prize! I'm going to be insanely jealous (in a nice way, of course) of whoever wins the door prizes you've made!

Little Dog and Jay, We'll miss y'all both, and I hope y'all can make it to the next gathering.

Paula, We are not there yet, no, but when we arrive.....I don't want you to think we're moving in or anything, but the whole truck is packed to the gills, so we're going to sort of look like "The Beverly Hillbillies Arriving At Paula's". There are flats of plants and the napkins, plates etc. in the cab of the truck with us, and then in the bed of the truck, there's all those tables, and Tim's EMS bag, and....cardboard boxes galore, each holding a flat of plants to protect them from the wind. So, don't get excited...we are not bringing you a cookware set, a fire safe, a meat smoker, etc., just cardboard boxes of plants. We also won't have Jethro or Elly Mae either.

If there is anything we have forgotten, it is too late now because the truck will not hold one more thing. I think I'm bringing too many plants, but it is too late now because they're all packed and loaded up.

See y'all tomorrow at Paula's!

Dawn

BRING IT! I'M READY!!! Well...I've got to shower first because....um, I've been outside working in the yard all day. I promise to be clean or close when you all get here.
Do I get dibbs on the cardboard? LOL! just kidding...sorta!

Diane's goodies are just so stinkin' cute! AND clever! I'm going to have to find some of that tomatoe fabric....
Tell Tim that I, myself, very much appreciate him coming along for the ride!

And to all you others I'll probably only get a chance to check in here maybe once more in the morning, but I think most of you have maps...(right Andria? lol!) and/or my cell so if anything come up, call me!

I hope I can sleep tonite. I feel like a little kid waiting for Santa Claus! See you all soon!
Paula

The apple pie is in the oven! It is in a giant casserole dish!

Paula,

I've been saving these cardboard boxes forever to use for 'something' and normally I use them under mulch, but I think it would be hard to transport them back home empty on the interstate so you can have them if you want them. If you don't want them, we'll collapse them flat and put them underneath the tables and haul them home. I wouldn't want to leave my 'junk' there for you to take care of. But, if you want them to use under mulch or whatever, they're yours.

I hope I can sleep well too...I'm so excited that it wouldn't surprise me if I don't.

Tigerdawn, Mmmmm! I can smell that pie baking right now.

Dawn

Thanks, Jay and everyone. Sewing is a little passion of mine. My grandma made me handsew, over and over again, until each little stitch was perfect, so I know a little of what your sister went through. Fortunately for me, I was a little perfectionist so it fit me but it did get frustrating. I still can't stand it when my stitches aren't perfect -- like when my machines mess up (or even hand sewing when I resort to that). Drives me batty!! But I'm learning to deal with it as I get older, trying to find patience with myself and all that. (Still drives me crazy, though!)

Thunderstorm woke me up and now I'm hungry. I only went to bed at midnight so I should be good and loopy for the swap today! LOL We're pulling out of the driveway at 7 sharp.

Diane

I have a cold with a low grade fever and cough to go with it; so I'm not going to make it. I'm super disappointed ; (. I started feeling bad yesterday, but was hoping it was allergies. But since I have the low grade fever, I'm thinking it's not allergies.

If anyone would like some seeds from the hibiscus or the black hollyhocks email me and I'll mail you some.

Also, I was bringing cups and ice so could someone handle that for Paula? I'd appreciate it.

I was so looking forward to meeting everyone and have had this on my calendar since January ; (

Signed, a very disappointed Melissia.

Paula and All You Other Attendees, Tim and I will bring cups. If somebody else can't pick up ice, Paula, call us and we'll pick up some bags of ice when we get close to your house but we don't have space to haul a cooler.

Dawn

I have a couple of coolers and can bring ice if someone will tell me how many bags we need.
Cindy

Cindy,

Just in case Paula is running around like a chicken with her head cut off (sorry, Paula, I am JUST KIDDING) and doesn't see this, bring whatever you can....I believe Paula is expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 40 to 60 folks.

We're bringing a big bag of cups from CostCo, so I think we have 140 cups....and if that is not enough, we're in trouble.

See you there!

Melissia, I meant to say earlier that I'm sorry you won't be there and we'll miss you. I hope you feel better soon.

OK, I need to get off the computer and get ready to leave. We're leaving Marietta around 9 or 9:15 a.m.

Dawn

oh Melissia! I'm so sorry you're "under the weather"! (get it? it's cloudy outside!) Dang it! We'll miss you! I know you're disappointed. But I think we'll still be covered.

Dancingwaters - maybe 3 or 4 bags of ice? We've got coolers and 2 bags already in the freezer. I've got some extra cups too!

My carpet's not vacuumed, my floor's not swept and all the laundry's not put away...but somewhere I read that a clean house is a sign of an unkept garden! hehe!

Signed,
Chicken with Her Head Cut Off!

Paula,

I have a plaque in my kitchen that says in big print "Pardon the Mess" and in little print in the background it says "I've heard it said that only dull women have immaculate homes!". lol

Lynn

Paula - I'll bring the ice and email my cell number to you in case you need anything else. Also, we'll all feel right at home if your house isn't perfect! Cindy

Oh I hope yall have a great day - now I'm really feeling bad for missing all this fun -- thanks for covering the ice and cups.

Yall have a great time.

Melissia...hope you feel better and soon - SO sorry you couldn't make it today :*(

We're preparing to come - you guys know we're going to eat TOO much, take TOO many plants home, and have TOO good a time...right? Can't wait!!

Sharon (and Katie)

I'll only feel right at home if your house looks like a disaster area. But I'm sure I'll manage....

"Littledog - dang it! Doesn't his job know that his wife has a garden life? j/k....my DH was out of a job for 15 months. Gotta give your man credit. In this economy, no one can "fluff off" a paying job. We will miss you! But there's always the fall and next spring! "

Well, DH's crew started this last job in January, and didn't get home until April. I managed to go see him a few times, but it's just -not- the same. (It's hard to work on "stuff" in a motel room in Waco) We were hoping he'd be off at least a month, but obviously, that didn't happen. The kicker is he was told this would be a short job (a week and a half, MOL) and after her got there, found out it's only going to be 3 days. But you're right, this isn't a good time to fluff off a paying job, so away he went.

Next time, I'm going to be there.