drop

OK, it's getting close. There are about 2 dozen comfirmed attendees. Of course I have also lost a couple more. Annell is a 'brand new grandma'! and Jeanine ended up having to go out of town to work. Hey, it happens. The door prizes are ready, the center pieces are done, my plants are not only potted but most are already in the trailer (yeah, tailer, I can't get these all in my Blazer, most of mine are in half gallon or larger sized pots) I have counted two dozen pots of them so far ... Bee Balm, Society Garlic, Bearded Iris, Black Eyed Susan, creeping Sedum, Hostas, Daylily, Obedient Plant, Lemon Balm, mints, and I'm not done loading yet. Oh, yeah, the Cannas. Unfortunately they are not potted. No time, they will be bare root. I got almost 60 pots in the trailer last year. Not this year, I ended up having to bring about half as many home ... THEN I had to find somewhere to plant them. There will also be some stepping stones ... newly poured. There are even plants for those that want to come that are new to gardening and don't think they have a plant to share. I will personally see to it that you have at least one plant for your garden this year. I will be goig through my seed box yet too (as soon as I find a minute). I know there are goodies in there that need someone to sprout and pamper them. Unfortunately I did not get veggies started for this year's swap. But if any of you have some, I'd love to have a chance at them. I don't have any plants for my veggie garden yet. In fact, I'm still planting seeds in hopes that they will make the season yet. If I can just keep the Chipmunks out of my Greenhouse. They keep eating the sunflower seeds I've been trying to sprout for the youngsters on my school bus route for end of the year summer gifts. I'll kill the little varmits. I think I've out smarted them. I have now covered the trays with a grate to HOPEFULLY deter them. ANYONE WANTING TO GET ON THIS WAGON YET ONLY NEEDS TO E-MAIL ME WITH A NUMBER OF ATTENDING GUESTS. THEN JUST BRING YOUR POTTED PLANT/PLANTS, YOUR COVERED DISH AND YOUR BEVERAGE. IT'S ALL GOOD!

Have had several folks email for directions: Please feel free to post and make some pre arranged trades if you'd like. I'll have a bunch of plants for trading/taking. Iris Raspberry Blush Iris Blue Denim dwarf Iris Smell the Roses dwarf Iris Jewel Baby Dwarf Various Daylilies Creeping Jenny Liriope Sedums One or two starts of hardy dutchmans pipe vine variegated petesites (very aggressive plant) Lots of lily of the valley Justa a couple of lilies; Stargazer and Cancun Various Hosta (I collect hosta there are over 1000 in my woodland garden) Some things will be limited in quantity, others I have in abundance ;) and lots of other stuff... if anyone wants to "put their names on" anything specific ahead of time just drop me and email and I'll send you a better more specific list. I'm always looking for woodland/shade plants to go in the "hosta garden", but also have sunny gardens and a veggie garden.

Just wanted remind people to start thinking about, looking around in their garden, and seeing what they might dig up for the 2nd annual 'Shovel Prune plant swap in the Portland area. We had a lot of fun last year. Hope you can make it. Here's some details--- 2nd Annual ‘Shovel PrunePlant Swap 17625 S.E. Foster Rd. Gresham, OR 97080 April 25, 2015 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon Rain or shine, gardeners gather to share and exchange plants and knowledge with all. The Shovel Prune Plant Swap is hosted at Pleasant Valley Grade School. Then main parking lot is on Richey Road just north of Foster. The site offers parking, and a small breezeway area with restrooms. Contact: Duane Werner, cell phone: 503-784-4528 Or email him at duane_werner@frontier.com THIS IS HOW IT WORKS: NO SALES, Only exchanges and freebies, please. Tailgating Encouraged. The format for the trade is like a tailgate party. Traders exchange expert gardening information as well as plant materials. In two hours all the deals are sealed. We have plenty of parking. Label your plants with botanical and common names, color, height, width, etc. if possible. Pictures are also great. FREE STUFF: The last half hour (11:30-noon) you may be able to pick up some free stuff from gardeners if they are willing to give it away. Many gardeners generously share plants from the abundance of their gardens. This is an excellent way to begin your garden and an excellent way to thin out that giant patch of Shasta Daisies, etc. WHAT IF YOU HAVE NOTHING TO TRADE: Cookies and chocolate work like money at the Shovel Prune! Rain or shine, gardeners gather to share and exchange plants and knowledge with all.