If I could add one suggestion. For the traders that come after you get there, they are trying to unload and set up, please give them a chance to set up and get their mind together before you attack. You could hep them by helping them unload and then give them a few minutes to enjoy before the trading begins and not everyone hit them at once. Just a suggestion I hope helps. Mike

Hi, Y'all-- Well, I inspected my gardens to see what I'll be bringing to the swap. Unfortunately, because of the new beds I put in this past spring, it's a case of "slim pickin's", as I used up most of what I had on hand. Question: Is it considered appropriate/acceptable to bring "whole" plants that others there at the swap could take cuttings from? I can bring several things that fall into that category. Although I had intended to start a bunch of stuff last week when I realized this swap was coming up (thanks to sylvia *grin*), I've had to be in "cleaning frenzy" mode instead, with enough still left on the "to-do" list to keep me outta trouble 'til at least Friday (g-r-r-r). I have out-of-town guests arriving Saturday, and even if I didn't have tons of household loose-ends left to tie up, I'm afraid that--regretfully--I'm now out of time to try to get anything started. So, if it's not considered a colossal 'faux pas', here are the "whole" plants I could bring: Yellow (unnamed) coreopsis (lots and lots) Curry plant Kalanchoe Oregano Lemon Balm Purple Heart Rosemary Sage Spider plant I also have these to swap: Aloes Gazanias One pink iris Artemisia And, if anyone is interested in the following, let me know, and I'll make it a point to dig some up to bring along: White irises ("Old Homestead" variety...I. florentina?) Tradescantia 'Lilac Frost' Hymenocallis (unnamed, but HUGE plants if they're happy where they're at...mine grow to be 3' to 4' tall...) Cannas 'Red Beauty'(?), 'Orange Beauty' (?), 'Pretoria' Another question: can a sucker from a rose bush be rooted like a stem cutting? If so, I can bring a "cutting" from my Graham Thomas (it's growing a really healthy-looking sucker that I've been meaning to cut off). Also, I will definitely be bringing a lot of greenhouse equipment (plastic flats, 6-packs, small styro cups, etc.), as well as seeds and (possibly) old issues of Neil Sperry's magazine.... Oh, and munchies, of course *grin*... Well, if anyone is interested in any of the "dig up" stuff, be sure to let me know, otherwise I'm not going to bother digging until later on. Can't wait to see all y'all there!!! Best to all, Cheryl

Thank you all for all the great things I ended up with! I went empty-handed just to visit but ended up with new babies! And it looks like I'm going to have to learn to Bonsai my new tree and learn to grow loufas too! lol Barefoot, most (a few exceptions) are very generous and come to the swaps not only to trade but just to visit. Most don't want to take anything that they brought back home either. Hopefully I'll have some things I can divide and share for the next one. It was fun to see you all again! Thanks Sylvia! See you all in the spring! (we gotta send Cheryl a special reminder) Paige

Element321, maybe you could beta test it when it's done and tell me what needs fixing? Any other ideas or thoughts? Please feel free to speak up if you're against the idea, too - I'd hate to work on it and then find out folk would rather use the exchanges forum!