I've been planning to go to Kate's swap ever since she first invited us all, but I've been out of the loop a bit, not having much chance to play online lately. I haven't read all of the posts about it, and am trying to catch up now. Just to clarify, we ARE still having the actual swap at Kate's house, right? And we will be there for the bulk of the afternoon, lunch, etc, like last time? With all these extra activities being planned, I just want to be sure I've got that part right. Thanks for the clarification! (Kate, you know I can't wait to see your garden and your precious pups again! Please let me know what I can bring for lunch & snacks, etc.) Marcia

HI Keith, I'm going on my eleventh year as a member so I may not attend so much as be obligated to share some insight on the chapter. You do not have to be an experienced gardener to become a member of the organization. You only need to be willing to learn and willing to serve as a volunteer and willing to meet new people and be a part of the team. If you are interested, please email your name, email, and phone to mg.greenecounty@gmail.com. This will assure that you will be informed of the orientation dates which have not yet been set but should be announced sometime in January. It's a great group and there's no better way to learn about gardening than being around other gardeners. Here is a link that might be useful: Details

I'm planning to go on this tour too. Some places interest me more than others of course. (1) This Urban Farm of three acres has native trees and multicolored perennials that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Water gardens, hanging baskets and yard art also enhance this interesting property with many container gardens for vegetables and herbs, accessed by walking paths. Composting is evident in many of the containers filled with colorful tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, leafy greens and more than 60 varieties of garlic. A greenhouse also provides a protected place for starting plants from seeds. An outdoor living area provides a tranquil place to sit and observe this peaceful country setting, along with horses and chickens to complete this homestead. (2) Prism of Tranquility Garden: Stroll through a kaleidoscope of gardens with many colorful rooms that offer a calm, relaxing experience. Nestled among tall trees are rooms filled with Texas Native perennials, many propagated on-site and include a pond filled with koi, a poolside resort, raised vegetable beds and cutting gardens. You will also find a rose garden with gazebo, a pergola and a metal tree filled with bird treats. In the service area is a 24 x 8 foot lazy-man’s compost bin and greenhouse. If you look closely, you may catch a glimpse of Arnie the Armadillo, Herod the great blue heron and Thumper, Bambi and Velvet who bed amongst the gardens. (3) Perennial Pizzazz Garden: Pots of tropical plants and patches of perennial color will delight and dazzle as you stroll through this beautifully manicured two-tiered garden. A lush, tropical oasis awaits as you gather poolside surrounded by an artful arrangement of container plantings that create a riot of color and texture. The upper path reveals an eclectic gathering of both woodland shade and sun-loving plants. The front entrance will inspire you with a newly planted display of edible and herbaceous plantings. This gardener also practices smart water conservation and is participating in an ongoing, Denton county water consumption study. (4) This Patchwork Garden is patiently sewn together throughout the years. A colorful collection of unique roses, hardy perennials, and charming garden art are woven into the borders of this cottage-like garden. The vibrant flowers and greenery beckon one to stroll, rest, and relax. Included in the garden space are dedicated raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs with drip irrigation and rain barrels. Various re-purposed items have been stitched in, offering a wealth of inspirational ideas that can add character and style to any space. (5) Standing 50 feet above the surrounding countryside, The Flower Mound is 13 acres of wildflowers and native prairie grasses in the heart of the city of Flower Mound. In fact, the city itself was named after the mound, which is currently protected by the Mound Foundation, a non-profit organization representing the citizens of Flower Mound. The foundation has identified more than 175 species of wildflowers there. This area was part of the great American Black Land Prairie that ran from Canada to the Rio Grande and from the Rockies to the Mississippi. Only 1,000 acres remain of the original 20 million acres known as the Tall Grass Prairie.

Susan, Perhaps you can contact them by phone or email and ask what they'll be selling? (and let us know if its something really cool!) Most of us around here just answer the question if we know the answer! :) Melvalena