Hi mastiffhoo. Welcome to Garden Web and the Seed Exchange! Since you are just starting out, I suggest you maybe reply to some of the many more recent sase/sasbe offer threads to build a seed trade list, as it is against the Instructions here to ask for things for postage (sorry). Look for threads that say SABE, SASBE, or FREE You might want to respond to those that are offering more than one variety, to get the most bang for your postage cost. Read the Offer and post to the thread per the offerer's instructions. You will then likely be asked to mail a BE (Bubble Envelope). These can be found at WM, the Dollar Store, CVS Drug Store, Office Supply places, etc. Depending upon the size of the envelope, you may be able to cut a large one in half and make two envelopes. Be careful though that you do not make them square, as opposed to rectangular, as that will cost extra postage when mailing it both ways. Include in the envelope whatever you are instructed to send by the offering member. It usually includes A list of the agreed upon seeds (if they were agreed upon) or whatever the offering member requests of you. A note with your member name, and your real name A label of some sort with your name and address to be used when the envelope is mailed back to you. Postage STAMPS...NO POSTAL TAPES as they are only good for mailing from the PO where they were purchased The amount of the postage should be the actual cost the offering member thinks will be required, considering what they will be sending you and in what quantities. Often members have in mind other goodies that will be included along with what has been agreed upon, and that will affect the cost as well. Communication is very important. If you do not feel the postage cost is a good value in exchange for the seeds you are to receive, feel free to just decline the transaction by emailing the offering member. No explanation is necessary as to why you have changed your mind. There may be other instructions as well that have not been addressed above. The actual cost to mail your empty bubble envelope to them (with whatever has been asked for in their instructions) should' be 80 cents. If you are charged more than that to mail it, then chances are 'your' Post Office is overcharging in error. The very minimum amount for the member to return that envelope with smaller seeds in small to average quantities will be 80 cents, or 2 stamps to keep it simple. Please send the envelope out in a timely fashion, or let the member know if it is going to be delayed. Please let the member know if you have changed your mind about the SASE/SASBE offer. Often seeds are put aside for these sasbe offers, and if members don't follow through with mailing out their bubble envelopes, those are seeds being just tied up, when they could have been shared and enjoyed by another member. Once you receive your goodie package please let the member know that they arrived at their destination. Last, but not least, try and take a moment to post a review for the offering member at the Rate and Review Forum. I have included a link to the forum below. Instructions for using the Forum are at the top of the main page there. Please be sure and do a search to see if there is an existing review for the member. If there is, please post to it. If there are numerous review threads, please post to the one that has the most replies. Happy Gardening! If you have any questions, feel free to post them on the Conversation side of the Seed Exchange. Just click the link [Switch to: Conversations] found above the list of threads. Sue

Hi Patricia, You can have as many seeds as you would like, we probably have thousands here. Just tell me the number you want. I looked at your trade list and although I love flowers I don't think any of the flowering seeds you have will grow here, but I would be interested in your Homestead tomato seeds if you have them to spare. They are a winter crop here so now is their planting time. I may be able to send you some plumeria seeds as well, as long as you don't want named varieties - I have a dark pink and white/yellow center. I will check in the morning,to see what is still on the trees.

Islandbreeze is correct. However. SOME sable minor's in "habitat", IE in thier natural environment, which is coastal wetlands from extreme SE Virginia, on down through the carolina's, GA, and into FL, they CAN produce stout drunks of a few feet. Here are a couple of photos of Sabal Minor in habitat. The second photo shows just how big they can get over a very long period of time in ideal conditions. Then THIS is Sabal Palmetto: Hope that helps clear things up for ya! NOTE: All photos courtesy of www.garysnursery.com Here is a link that might be useful: Gary's Nursery

An after winter update on the above sabal palmettos. So sad to report that the hurricane cut palmetto didn't make it according to the guy who planted it. I had high hopes since this was such a mild winter even with two, short mid-teen cold snaps. It was not killed by the winter, rather than inappropriate, over protection by the new owner. Apparently she wrapped it in plastic with xmas lights right on the fronds, so it got cooked! So sad. If she had just ignored it like last winter, it would've done fine and likely added more fronds this summer. My friend said she is clueless with semi tropicals and doesn't listen to advice. The small palmetto at the mini golf course looks great. I really think more 10 and 15 gallon potted palmettos need to be tried here. It's the best option for marginal areas according to Gary's Nursery in New Bern, NC. It's a shame they've not been available locally. Finally, the experimental palmetto seedlings that I scattered all over my garden survived exceedingly well with out any protection other than leaves that fell around them. Two or three that were most exposed and open on the west side of the front porch suffered burn. But all if them are very green at the baseses of their strap leaves and new straps/spears are emerging. I'm so disappointed about the HC palm, needless to say.