vnginger, I'm so sorry that I didn't get your email! I don't know what's going on with gardenweb lately. No emails get through and they wiped out my trade list months ago, too. Since there are 2 of the terrariums, I could give Kathy one of them and give you the other, if that would be ok with her? Or else I'll look and see if I have something similar at the house to bring for you. I won't have internet access tonight or tomorrow, though, so I'll have to assume it will work out for the best. I know she also wanted hummingbird feeders and I'll be bringing some of those for her. I'm also going to bring some regular hummingbird feeders for the general trade - I've decided to give up on feeders for hummingbirds, as I can't seem to attract them. So I'm getting rid of not only the fancy glass ones I bought at Pike's and posted photos of, but also the regular ones with the red plastic feeder ports. I have 2 of those to bring, one of which I think is sort of nice, except that it needs a new plastic bottle (any sort of shampoo or soap bottle can work). And I found a few other things to bring, including a very large, very sturdy macrame plant hanger. This thing was made by someone probably in the 60's, it is a dark orange color with some large beads incorporated in the macrame. It looks like it can hold a very large and heavy plant, for someone who's into things from that era. Also I dug up a piece of a miniature hosta that I don't know the name of, but it's a pretty golden yellow color, and a small division of arum italicum, and found a couple of pots of creeping raspberry (groundcover). Also potted a volunteer coneflower (probably pink) and volunteer blackeyed susans, and a yellow variegated vinca. These things will all have to go into the general trade since I won't have email tonight or tomorrow. Debbie

Just wanted to post a followup after last Saturday's fall plant trade. First, I want to thank Lucy from the bottom of my heart for opening her home to us and setting aside her day, even though she wasn't feeling as well as she might have liked. It was great of her to take on the trade at the last minute and do it so well. For those who couldn't come, you missed a really nice trade. Although there were only four of us there, we had a great time and all managed to take home new plants that we wanted (and as usual, some that we don't really need, but couldn't say "no" to). We also enjoyed a delicious lunch together sitting on Lucy's enclosed upstairs porch surrounded by trees on a beautiful fall day. I continue to believe, and the Gardenweb plant trades always prove the point, that gardeners are some of the nicest people on earth. Whether four gardeners show up, or forty, our get-togethers are always a treat. Our spring and fall trades are a unique opportunity to reconnect with old Gardenweb friends - and meet new ones. Thanks again, Lucy!

Gone to new homes

OK, I am trying to send the email to everyone, and for some reason, my email is down. I'm posting the email below, but I will also try resending later this weekend. Hello Everyone! Hope you are all doing well and enjoying this great spring weather! Sorry it has taken me so long to organize this year's plant swap. Being a new mother can be a bit time consuming! (As I am sure many of you can relate!) I plan to pretty much do the same thing we did last year (for those of you that did not attend, we will have the plant swap and then follow it with a pot luck meal.) I think it worked out pretty well last year, and everyone seemed to be happy with the outcome. I wasn't sure if we wanted to do another Chinese Swap this year. If there is enough interest, we can certainly do it, so if you decide you want to do it, please let me know when you RSVP. Here are the details: Date/Time: It seems that most everyone was available for Sunday, June 5th for the swap, so that's what I've set the date as. I have been trying to decide what time is best for our swap. My thought was maybe 1pm - ??? (whenever people leave), does this work for everyone? I can do earlier or later if people prefer...I'm very flexible. RSVP: If you are planning on attending the swap, you must let me know as I will not be posting directions to my home over the internet. If you have received this email, you are on my list. However, if you are reading this on Garden Web, and have not received an email from me, you are not on the list. Please contact me so I can ensure you are not left out!!! Also, for those of you I do have on the list...please be sure to email me about what you are bringing to the pot luck and let me know if you wish to participate in the Chinese swap (both of which are explained below). I will email directions to each person as I receive their RSVP. The Swap will consist of: Prearranged trades/gifts: I encourage people who are looking for specific plants, to work out prearranged trades with other attendees. Hopefully most of us have trade lists up on Garden web. This is a great way to find plants that you are looking for and/or find homes for plants that you have. I think Kathy started a thread already about what people are bringing, so that may be a good spot to post about possible trades. Also this is the time for anyone who may have brought a plant with someone specific in mind without wishing anything in return to give their plant to that person. General Plant Swap: The method of swapping last year seemed to work well for the general swap so I think I will use that same plan this year....if this is really bothersome to people or people would like me to consider another type of swap, please LET ME KNOW!!! As I said before, I am very flexible and want to make sure EVERYONE has fun!!!! It is important to me that everyone go home with something! As people arrive, they will be given a number (I may do this consecutively or have people draw from a hat, I'm not sure yet.) Once the swap begins, the person with number one will select one plant. Then the person with number two will select a plant, then number three, and so on. Once we are all the way through, we will start over again. If you reach a point that you no longer want anything, you may opt out of the trade at that point. Any extras/leftovers will be up for grabs for anyone. Optional Chinese Swap: There will also be an optional Chinese swap. I will explain this again for those of you who do not know what it is. In a Chinese swap, everyone brings a wrapped gift of a set value. Every one participating draws a number out of a hat. Once all the numbers are drawn, number one picks and unwraps a gift. Number two can then either pick a new gift or take number one's gift. If #2 chooses #1's gift, number one gets to pick a new wrapped gift from the table. Next, number three can pick a wrapped gift from the table or #1 or #2's gift, if #3 takes one of the unwrapped gifts, then whoever she took it from takes another wrapped gift and opens it. This continues until the last person goes...who either picks anyone of the unwrapped gifts or the last remaining wrapped gift. The basic rule is if someone takes your gift, you can only pick from the wrapped gifts, not from the other unwrapped gifts. I know this sounds confusing, but it is a lot of fun, and very funny!!! If you would like to participate in this, please bring with you a wrapped garden-related gift with a value of $10-$15. (Again, if people think the price limitation is off, please let me know). If you are still confused, let me know, and I will try to explain it better. Also, when you RSVP, let me know if you are going to participate in this so I can be sure we will have enough people for it. Potluck: There will also be a potluck meal at the swap. I am asking everyone to bring one dish to pass. If you do not like to cook, there are many acceptable alternatives (i.e. soda, chips/dip, plates/napkins, etc.), please feel free to ask me for suggestions if you can not decide what to bring or can't think of anything. Please also include what you will bring to the potluck with your RSVP , so that I can be sure that we have all areas accounted for and not 20 pasta salads but no drinks or anything else! Time to get to know other garden enthusiasts in the area: The best part of the swap is that it gives us all a chance to get to know other garden "nuts" in the area. There will be plenty of time for people to chat and visit. More Details and miscellaneous information: What to bring to the swap: Please feel free to bring any plants you would like, of any size. Trees and shrubs are also acceptable. Other garden related items are also welcome including garden tools, books, seeds, bird feeders, etc. How to package your plants: I ask that all plants come in a LABELED container of some kind. It does not have to be a pot, but it should be something that contains the plant and will allow the plant to stay healthy despite exposure to sun. Bareroot plants will not survive the day in the sun at my house! Also, please be sure to label your plants with AS MUCH information as possible. Some things to list: Common name, scientific name, sun/shade exposure, color, care instructions, your name or email (so that people can contact you with questions), etc. Please be sure that your plants are watered before they get here! What else should I bring? I ask that every person attending bring (and wear) their own name tag listing BOTH their gardenweb name and what they would like to be called by. I'll have plenty of blanks on hand for anyone who needs them. You can also, please bring a folding chair or lawn chair of some sort...I have some, but I'm sure I don't have enough! Anyone with extra folding tables, please bring them along. I have a few, but I am sure I don't have enough. Also, it's a good idea to bring boxes or plastic sheets of some sort to transport you plants home in! Just an FYI: Just like last year, my gardens are still under construction and are still not where I would like them to be. So please excuse the state of construction you will all find when you visit me. Just remember, it is a work in progress! And, just to let you all know, I have three dogs. They are extremely friendly dogs, but they do love to greet new visitors. If you are very afraid of or allergic to dogs, please let me know in advance so that I can anticipate your needs. Tara (Garden_frog)