NEW: April Garden Decorating: Fool Or Tool

17 years ago

Welcome to the April (Fool's or Tools) Day Exchange:

The Legend:

The Calendar-Change Theory

The most widespread theory about the origin of April Fool's Day involves the Gregorian calendar reform of the late sixteenth century.

The theory goes like this: In 1582 France became the first country to switch from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar established by the Council of Trent (1563). This switch meant, among other things, that the beginning of the year was moved from the end of March to January 1. Those who failed to keep up with the change, who stubbornly clung to the old calendar system and continued to celebrate the New Year during the week that fell between March 25th (known in England as Lady Day) and April 1st, had various jokes played on them. For instance, pranksters would surreptitiously stick paper fish to their backs. The victims of this prank were given the epithet Poisson d'Avril, or April Fish. Thus, April Fool's Day was born.

So: With that being told, Here are the rules: This exchange will be a traveling joke box: I will start the box and send it on it's way to start. The next person can either send a funny April Fool or you can send a gardening tool (gloves, hat, trowel, seed planter, dirt or anything related to gardening tools). The other rule is, it must be under 15.00.

I also understand that it is Easter Month so if there are those who would like to exchange Easter gifts that is ok too, but the same rules apply.

Inside the box will be very specific instructions to each player: please be advised that this is April and a little fool may appear in your envelope and you may have some crazy instructions in your envie.. So: If your willing to take a chance.. come join the fun in this Aprils exciting exchange:

Thanks for playing :)

oh yeah, the other rule... No hostess gifts please... rather, donate the postage and the $ to your local soup kitchen please for Easter meals...... They will need it.

Laura

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Comments (115)

prairiewinds
17 years ago
Great to hear this has created a little confusion. It wouldn't live up to it's name if it hadn't. Figured I had better add what I'd love to see coming my way:
columbine/sweet pea seeds
water absorbent (for containers)
fertilizer
garden signs
crocus/liatris bulbs
Good grief this makes my brain hurt!Thanks!:~)
marozeckinj
17 years ago
I can't wait to see whats in the box. Post when it arrives please! It's the little things that keep me checking in!
Melissa
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A-Hem. Well...since you asked.... *grin*.... A VERY long time ago- about, oh, 18 years or so - I was at a slumber party with a couple of friends. We were roasting marshmallows on a bonfire, out in the front yard. And, since this was out in the sticks (and I mean...WAY out in the sticks, the closest neighbor was 5 miles away, and the closest neighbor to THEM was 5 miles away......ANYHOO....pardon, too many brownies, My mind tends to wander....) SOOOO....this was out in the sticks, and there were chickens running around in the yard. Poor, helpless, defenseless chickens. Lots and lots of chickens. So there we were, using old wire coat hangers (unfolded, of course) to roast marshmallows. Then, the unthinkable, un-avoidable, and totally a waste of good marshmallow happens. My marshmallow caught fire. And I don't mean *fire*. I mean....FLAMING, INCINERATING, little-ball-of-DEATH type fire. Yay. Naturally, I'm calm and collected....while the other girls are screaming their fool heads off. "YOUR MARSHMALLOW'S ON FIRE! YOUR MARSHMALLOW'S ON FIRE!!!!" Yeah, duh..... So, I react in an appropriate manner, of course. I start waving the coat hanger/marshmallow fire ball in the air, hoping to fan out the fire. Next thing I know, the marshmallow goes flying off the end of the wire, whizzing through the air.....ZOOOOMMMM!!!!...... And smacks a poor chicken RIGHT ON THE NOGGIN. Still flaming, with marshmallow-ey goo going everywhere, the poor chicken runs around bock-bocking all over the place. We all run for the water hose, and put the chicken out... But she didn't make it. :O( Guess what we had for supper the next night? Yep, roasted chicken!
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LOL... one word... CATNIP! Lots of it! I think I've contacted everyone that I needed to today. If not, someone drop me a note. We're forecast for severe thunderstorms today through tomorrow night, so my computer time may be limited. I don't like being on when there's lightening even though we have cable internet. Fran, please let me know ASAP whether you hear from Carrie. That will be the deciding factor in what I set up for Joan. By the way, Jamie emailed me and is still trying to get in touch with Kim. I let her know that officially, I'd dropped them from the swap, but if they complete it, both of them, and send me DCNs and post contents, it will have them clear for the group with the condition that they will have to send first in the next MNF swap they join. I felt this was the most fair way to deal with it, if they both complete the swap. I invite her to hang about and get to know folks and she's assured me that she will :) I'm very happy about that! Oh, and I called the company I ordered from and they're putting a rush on the order, and I found out that it's always best to call the order in and request a rush. Have a really nice conversation with the young lady I spoke with. We discussed my theme gardens and she's going to be checking into GW. She's interested in seeing my Gargoyle bed and Naughty Garden and I'd bet she'd be interested in seeing some of the other Goth type beds and any of the themed beds. She was really interested in the possibilities of those. I told her she'd need to check back in a couple months to see pics of mine since they're still pretty dormant at the moment and it will take some time for the kids and DH to get everything tended to, especially in the new beds that we just started working on. Anyway, she was a really sweet young lady and we had a nice conversation and she tried to see if there was more she could do to get my order here quickly. The rush was all she could do, but I should have my order here sometime late next week or early the following week. So I'll be able to have Nikki's box to mail out then. Everything else is ready and packed. Or ready to be packed :) Though the longer I have to wait to mail it off, the more seeds I find to tuck in ... for cushioning, ya know? Kathy
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Has everyone received a box for July? I'm still waiting for mine. Here is a copy of the July line-up. lroyrose sends to Amybabyboy3 Amybabyboy3 send to mkruby7 mkruby7 sends to Debbya Debbya sends to Dancingmoons Dancingmoons sends to Sguanzon Sguanzon sends to efrosty1 efrosty1 sends to SimlyLisa SimlyLisa sends to Serenity_lane_ga Serenity_lane_ga sends to Snyder Snyder sends to gardeningwitch gardeningwitch sends to Agardenofweedin Agardenofweedin sends to lroyrose Who's still in the swap? Let's do a quick roll call, and if enough people are still willing to try to make this swap work, I'll coordinate September. It's really too late to do anything for Aug. Septembers theme- GARDEN JUNK Deb
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klickitat
17 years ago
Heh... Melissa... you're just like me! I'm always checking in just to see what everyone else gets! Still no box and the mail has already been delivered. Guess we'll have to wait another day to see what's inside the box. :)
klickitat
17 years ago
IT'S HERE! IT'S HERE! I'll post the contents in a little bit... but first I'll mention that the number I picked was #9. Looks like Diene is the next victim. :)
diene
17 years ago
Hooray;
I cannot wait to see what is coming my way. diene
diene
17 years ago
Hello Klickatit;
Am I supposed to tell you what I would love to see in the box? Well, no dust collectors, I hate dusting, I have very bad luck with seeds. I would love any outdoor plants or bulbs. Do not need and/or want any lotions, creams, or body stuff (I sell it and only use my products).
What I guess I am saying is that I am the April Fool, I would love a good joke or info on your part of the world. Use your imagination, not your wallet when filling my box and I will be thrilled. I am so excited to get the box, it can be empty. Have fun with it. diene
klickitat
17 years ago
Heh. Wouldn't it be really funny if I DID send an empty box, Diene?!!! :-) Ok, ok I won't do that. It's more fun to pick out items to send anyway.

Sorry for the delay in posting the contents of this box. I work long, weird hours, so most of my free time consists of sleeping. Today I happened to call in sick because of a back spasm. Whoa! I've never had one before, and can honestly say they HURT!

Picture this... I open the box and taped to the inside of the lid are a set of instructions. I see the green bag that contains my personal goodies...

... open the green bag and contained within are the following:
- Ottos Thrill Dahlias (tubers)
- Wildcat Gladiolus (bulbs)
- Laurien Gladiolus (bulbs)
- citronella oil candle
- roll of plant twist tie
- roll of garden wire
- fly swatter!!!

THANK YOU, mmqchdygg!!! You did a great job in putting together a theme for my swap items!

And a THANK YOU to llbean for the mystery gift! I adore the ones I chose!

Watch out, diene... I'm hoping to send your box out tomorrow with another trade.
klickitat
17 years ago
Ok, diene... after working a very long night I finally got things organized and labeled for shipment tomorrow. I'll post the DC# once it goes out. Hope you enjoy the choices I made. :)
marozeckinj
17 years ago
and it's off again.........
klickitat
17 years ago
Diene... please check your email! :)
sguanzon
17 years ago
Would anyone be offended or would the hostess be upset if I dropped out of this one? I'm already overcommitted and with this running into May, I'm afraid I can't keep up. Already signed up for May. Please let me know. and please don't be mad.
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
Sue,
I'm sure Laura doesn't mind. We all feel overextended at times. Thanks for letting us know.

Diene,
Please make a note in the box reminding the next person not to pick #4 Jenntongrows or #8 Squanzon.

Thanks!
Deb
mmqchdygg
17 years ago
Easier to just toss out those numbers ;)
cedarnest
17 years ago
Hey You Guys!!!!...LOL..Don't toss ME out!!! I am #4 now instead of Jenntongrows.I think Laura put that above somewhere in one of the threads??

Nancy
klickitat
17 years ago
Heh. I thought about taking out Jenn's number, but didn't want to ruffle any feathers. :) Diene should be seeing her box soon!
cedarnest
17 years ago
Well I guess if you all want to just toss out my number #4 thats fine.My feathers won't be ruffled..LOL.."I keep my feathers numbered just incase of an emergency" : )) I'll just do next month instead of helping out this month as planned.Whatever you all decide is fine by me.
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
Diene,
Leave #4 in!

I totally forgot Nancy offered to take Jenn's place. Sooooo sorry Nancy! I skimmed through the thread looking for Sue's assigned number (not reading everything) so it's totally my mistake!

Ok, all fixed now..

Thanks Nancy for reminding me!

Hugs,
Deb
diene
17 years ago
Yeah sure, I start tossing numbers and you then blame me!!(only kidding) I will take Sue's number out after I pick the next one. I hope to have the box tomorrow or Monday at the latest and I will try to turn it around immediately. Have a great weekend. diene
cedarnest
17 years ago
Whew!! Thanks for leaving me in Deb and Diene : ) I was beginning to feel all sad and unwanted : ( LOL No I knew you all just never saw it up above..I just had to tease ya.Looking forward to it.You all have a great weekend too.The weather here is fantastic.Hope it is where you all live too.I better get back outside and enjoy it.
Nancy
diene
17 years ago
Hello All;
Well the box has arrived and I think I have figured it out. I have a lovely gift from our hostess, it is beautiful. Of course it is raining to beat the band here yet again. I picked # 4 so it is headed Nancy's way. I already have her address so it can go back on it's way today. I am a bit vague on this but I figure I will muddle through as well as I can. Hope everyone is having better weather than I. I will post what I received as soon as I can figure it all out. There was way too much stuff, but I love it all. Thanks klickatit!! Thanks Laura!! The Maine fool
diene
17 years ago
Hello All;
I am back, I have packed up my stuff to send to Nancy and as soon as the Post Office reopens (they close for lunch), I will get it going. This was very interesting and fun. Unfortunately, my tool (joke) did not fit in the box so I had to find an alternative. That made me a bit sad but I recovered quickly when I looked over all the loot I received. I received bulbs, gladiolas, anemones, dahlias, brodiaea & puschkena. Do not ask what the last two are as I have no clue, I will be going to Hortiplex from here. I also received some really nice gardening gloves. Not the kind I usually buy for myself but some that actually look like they will be great and last many years. I buy the cheap ones and then lament wet hands, dirty fingernails,etc. One would think I was done with my stash but you are wrong!! I also received 3 pot sticks, a wind chime and three (count them 3) pairs of gardening shears. Klickatit really went overboard. Thanks to all. diene
diene
17 years ago
It is back in flight DC 03062400000220791574. Enjoy. diene
llbean
Original Author
17 years ago
Seriously, I think I am the fool!! By the time I get this back it may be Christmas te he.. Oh well it is fun and lesiure. that is what this is about...
I am enjoying the gifts so far and I can't wait to see what else arrives for the rest of you..

Laura
cedarnest
17 years ago
Woo hoo The box arrived today.The gift from our hostess was lovely.Thanks so much,also...Thanks Diene for all the nice bulbs,seeds,lotions,picture frame,cool garden rock,candles and candy.You stuffed alotta loot in that bag Diene.Thank You again!
Ok I drew #2 out of the envelope...looks like it is off to...let me go look up above quick...aha.. Deb from here.I will get it back in the air tomorrow so Deb you should have it on Saturday.I will be back to post the tracking number once its in the air : ) Thanks Again for the Great box : ))
Nancy
cedarnest
17 years ago
OK Deb,Its on its way to you.Maybe you will have it on Friday??I know I did this in record time..LOL... but I am on a mission to get the box back to Laura before Christmas..hee hee.No actually.. the timing was perfect for me because I went into the city shopping thismorning and I just happened to buy extras of a few things I bought for my self for the swap.I hope you like what I picked for you Deb : ))This is the tracking number for the box.#01038555749064778409
Enjoy : ))
Nancy
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
The box arrived! I'll post more later! A near by town had an entire town garage sale! I have no idea how many garage sales I actually went to, but I'm tired of talking and walking, LOL! ;)

Be back later!

Deb
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
Ok, I'm back! Sorry for the delay.

Thank you Nancy for the really neat items, I love them all!

Nancy sent- a package of Phlox "Prime Minister" and a dwarf canna package of "Black Night" plus copper plant markers, and a cuttle bone for Greenbean (my parrot).

Laura,
Thanks for the beautiful gift too, plus the gag gift! The rest of you will just have to wait and see what's in the box! I'm not going into any more detail. ;)

I picked #7, and don't have an address yet. So, the box will go ASAP after receiving it!

Thanks Laura for a really neat swap! I love your swap ideas, they are always so much fun!

Box is all packed up and ready to go after I receive Prairiewind's address.

Deb
prairiewinds
17 years ago
Debbya: Just emailed you my snail mail. Can't wait to get the package!
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
The box is on the way!

USPS #0307 0020 0004 7458 2099.

Have fun going through the box!
Deb
prairiewinds
17 years ago
Hi all. The package arrived Saturday. It was a pleasure to receive the "toys" from debbya. I drew #5 - pajohnso. Thanks so much for the garden trowel and dandelion digger, fertilizer spikes, seed starter pack, hummingbird feeder,and mixed seeds from debbya and some great smelling body wash from Laura/llbean. Looking forward to returning the favor to pajohnso!
Debra Andruska
17 years ago
Hi Carol,
I'm glad the package arrived quickly, I kept the box too long, sorry Laura!
You did pick a gift from the ziplock bag with gifts wrapped in orange too? Just checking...before you send it on again.

Deb
prairiewinds
16 years ago
Yes, I did get one of the packages. Thanks for the reminder! There is one more package left in the ziploc! Can't wait to get info on pajohnso, so I can get this Robin back in flight!
pajohnso
16 years ago
Wahhoooo!!! I was beginning to think my number wasn't in there ; ) Can't wait to see what is in there waiting for me!

Paula
prairiewinds
16 years ago
just bumping this up
prairiewinds
16 years ago
Just checking in. I'm still awaiting an addy for pajohnso.
prairiewinds
16 years ago
pajohnso? llbean? I'm still waiting to send this!
pajohnso
16 years ago
Prariewinds...I e-mailed you on Monday, you must have not gotten my email? It would have been through gardenweb? Perhaps check your junk folder as sometimes the gardenweb gets tagged as spam. Let me know either way and I can re-email my address. Thanks!

Paula
Debra Andruska
16 years ago
Giving this a bump! Let's get this moving again. ;)

Deb
llbean
Original Author
16 years ago
HI ladies. I am sorry that I have not posted in so long. I have been reading really late at night my emails and I have not has a chance to post until now.
I started a new job and I have been training and etc. No excuses.
Everyone looks like they are rec. some really nice things and I hope that you all are enjoying the things that I have tucked away for you all.
so it looks like Paula is the lat one to rec. and then she sends to me.
I apologize for the delay ladies but I hope that you all have had some fun.
I can't wait to get the pic developed. I will scan them in and send them to you all private email..
Just so you don't have to look back Paula, I am into butterflies and birds.. Anything to attract them into my gardens.. I have mostly dappled shade and then my back is blazing full sun.. That is where I try to put my annuals...
so that is all from this gardening fool..
Night ladies..

Laura
prairiewinds
16 years ago
Okay, this thing is finally out of my lap. The package was sent out the 25th. DC#0304 1560 0003 4933 3019. Thanks Laura!
pajohnso
16 years ago
Okay, got the package today ; ) Now I gotta figure out what to do and wait for the rain to stop so I can take my picture ; ) Thanks!!!
llbean
Original Author
16 years ago
pajohnso~
Hi. Could you please post what was sent to you..
We all love to drool. Then I thikn that you send to me correct?

Ladies this has been fun and I hope that you all enjoyed the little gifts that you rec. from me.

I am dying to know who got what.. tell tell

Laura
Debra Andruska
16 years ago
Laura,
From the gag gift I received a cute handmade teddy bear!
Jewelry gift- halloween bracelet that's black/orange, the stones are so sparkly and gorgeous! I LOVE it, it's absolutely beautiful, thank you sooo much for making it! This was such a fun RR! Thanks for coordinating it! You have the best ideas!

Come on Ladies, share what goodies you received!

Deb
pajohnso
16 years ago
Okay, I finally got the box packed up with some goodies for our swap host and it will be going out today, I will post the DC when I get it. Sorry it took me a bit longer than I would have anticipated. I took yesterday off of work just to catch up!

For my gift I received some beautiful black crystal dangly earrings, I just love them. My goodies from my swap buddy included some lovely handmade pressed flower bookmarks, handmade seed packets, a puzzle, peat pots, and plant markers...thank you so much!

I had my daughter take my picture, but I have to warn you it was at the end of the day yesterday after I had been in the garden for about 8 hours.....yikes! Don't get scared when you develop the pictures ; )

Thanks!
diene
16 years ago
Hello All;
I think I screwed up but that is part of the swap. I received a lovely pair of earrings from the goody bag. Then I think I put something in the gag bag. I cannot at this point remember what, I suffer from CRS (can't remember stuff). I think that the fact that the April Fool's Swap is still going in June is funny all by itself. I laugh when I think that it was snowing when the box came to me. I do not know why I think that is so funny, there was a frost here last night. Not serious and I do not think anything suffered but it was funny to see the people on the news this morning with steam coming out of their mouth's in June. Hope everyone is well. Thanks again Laurie for the months of fun!! diene
pajohnso
16 years ago
I just realized that I don't have Laura's address???? Can Laura, or someone who has her address send it to me ASAP?? Thanks!!

Paula
diene
16 years ago
Sorry Paula;
I have e-mailed Laura several times looking for just that information. I had it at one time but was once again not able to keep my hands on it. Hopefully Laura will get back to you soon. diene
Debra Andruska
16 years ago
Laura,
Did the box come back to you yet? I sent Paula your address by email on the 7th.

Deb
pajohnso
16 years ago
Hi - I checked the DC and it says the package was delivered on 6/11/07. Hopefully she actually received it?? Paula
llbean
Original Author
16 years ago
HI... I thought that I put a post here... wonder where I did? I actually got the package on the 14th I remember because it was flag day....

I will repost..
THank you so much Paula, for the great box..
I rec. delphin. (sp) and I have always wanted these as well as two coreopsis.
An awesome Frog statue for my mantle and a bell chime..

Deb included a picture of herself and what a hottie!!!
I can't wait to get the film developed to see the gardens I am just trying to use up the film as not to waste it..
I am super glad that everyone had so much fun and I am sorry it took so long..

Maybe next time I can think of something that won't be so confusing
Oh yeah I hit the jackpot with all the great seeds you all included... Thanks again for playing..
I am sorry that the post never showed I am truely appreciative..

Laura

NEW: April Garden Decorating: Fool Or Tool

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