There's a good reason that exchanges are limited on GW to the US (from TOS: "All Exchanges are restricted to users from a particular country, region or state. If not indicated otherwise, the Exchanges are restricted to residents of the U.S.")--there are areas under federal, state or county quarantine or alerts to prevent agricultural diseases or pests from being transported on uninspected plant material. It's a big problem here in California: our entire citrus industry is threatened by an Asian psyllid with no known predators, and which can reproduce asexually. Some of them carry a disease which is 100% fatal to citrus trees. The host list for another pest, the light brown apple moth, gives an idea of how many hundreds of common food and herb plants (and others) can host destructive pests. If you're exchanging, please educate yourself about quarantines, and don't send or accept plant materials to or from areas that are affected unless they're from licensed vendors whose shipments are inspected and certified. Here is a link that might be useful: Light Brown Apple Moth host list

I would like to chime in here too!!! I originally thought of this swap because someone else wanted to start it & then no one heard anything else about it. I was already gearded up & excited about being in a swap but when it became obvious it wouldn't take place (& no other sucker volunteered), I decided to host one. I had alot of family problems going on, alot of stress - dealing with an alcoholic, 2 pre-teen & teenagers, a brother with bipolar disorders, etc. - I just wanted to go to my mailbox & pull out something NOT a bill or credit card application or a letter from someone wanting me to hold their millions. A little something to wonder about, does it come today? everyday when I go to the mailbox. By the response of the original thread I wasn't the only one. Money's tight for me but I do have a "gardening budget". Sorry Secret Pal, but most of my stuff comes from places like Big Lots, Fred's, & other dollar-type stores. Or out of my yard or from the woods or ditch around my house (my kids are so embarrassed because I carry a shovel in my car). I don't want anyone to think they have to spend alot of money because it looks like others have spent & sent alot. Have you seen some of the trade lists some of these traders have? Some of them are like little nurseries themselves! I agree with everyone posted above. DaWiff, you & a few others have volunteered to be second pals. I got alittle confused with who were the foster pals & who weren't. I didn't want fosters to have to turn around & send to second pals. I've reassigned pals on an as needed basis. Pals not sending after a few months has been let out of the swap. I can only take your word for it if you say you mailed to your pal, but if your pal tells me they didn't receive something than I take their word. I can only give someone so many chances. As you all know, I don't have access to a computer all the time. My computer modem was fried in a storm & we haven't been able to buy a new computer. Therefore, I go to the library to post on GW, but since they don't allow email, I go to my sister's & her boyfriend's about once a week or so. So, I can't very well complain when people don't respond to my emails as soon as I'd like them too. I'm not able to respond as quickly as others would like me to either. I do however have a problem with someone never responding to an email or emailing another person. I believe I emailed everyone the rules of this swap back in the beginning along with information about their pal so that all the information would be in the same place if you wanted to print it out or something. It isn't fair for someone to receive something & then not send to their pal. As was mentioned above, life gets in the way so maybe one month you're late or can't send as much. I have asked that you at least send a card. I do not check your name off as receiving for the month until you post on the thread or email me. So if I have listed a name as not receiving than that person needs to post or send me an email. I emailed several people a day or two ago about this. Cassie, I am so sorry for your recent losses. I won't say all the normal stuff because I'm sure you're sick of hearing it, but I will say this: Remember that God doesn't give us anymore than He thinks we can handle, and every trial we have to endure makes us stronger. SandysGardens, I'm sorry I can't email you privately. I was under the impression that your pal was sending something & possible January & February in the same box. I was told your pal was very busy the month of January & just forgot. I know that's no consulation when you get nothing after sending something. I will clear this up & possibly reassign you to another pal - depending on your pal's reasoning. I am sending you a box (hush! yes I am!) because even if you do receive from your pal, two months is a long time to wait. I do hope you will decide to stay in the swap & give it another go, but I will understand (like everyone else)if you decide enough is enough. But I really hope you decide to stay in! Let me say how good it makes me feel to pick out something for my pal. I can hardly wait for them to get it & post on GardenWeb so I know if they liked it, hated it, whatever. I don't understand how some people can get things in the mail, knowing that they should send something out in return, & not do so. Maybe I've gone overboard giving people chances - I will more than likely stop because I'm not the one who's getting a raw deal. I thought I had stressed & restressed to everyone to please post or email me when you receive something. I understand that sometimes you forget, but do it when you remember. I can honestly say that I probably will not be hosting another swap unless I get another computer (which the hubby says will be soon, yeah!), maybe never. I apologize for this being so long. I wish I could take away the hurt feelings, resentment, & anger traders have gotten because of this swap. I will do my best to straighten any screwups. Kathy

Hi, y'all-- Received a package from my Secret Pal!!! I have the best pal EVER!! In the box were: A cute little yellow and pink hand-painted planter bucket...the colors perfectly compliment the purple shamrock I put in it. A bag of easter colored Hershey's miniatures (I should REALLY seek help for my chocolate addiction!!!). A card of Easter stickers (which my 8 year-old DGD promptly made off with!--oh, well *grin*). A package of white plastic plant markers (SO much better than the popsicle sticks I usually use). A packet of dark lavender Dianthus seeds (going in dirt this afternoon, tee-hee). A tin of Nivea hand cream (which will TOTALLY get used up...in addition to constantly digging in the dirt *g*, I also raise poultry, which means I wash my hands A LOT and all that washing often leaves my hands so dry that they crack...thanks for the relief, dear pal). Some decorative seed packets and home-canning jar labels (so pretty I hate to use them!). I'm not sure what the next item is, but it looks like a decorative Mason jar ring. It has a foam pad that goes underneath the ring. One side of the pad is adhesive, so I suppose you would stick a pretty picture to the pad and then use the whole assembly to store dry goods? If I'm right, I've never seen one before and it's really cool. Finally, my pal included a personalized Easter card. I also received a personalized St. Patrick's Day card with the prettiest decorative cut-out edging on the inside. I really wish I knew how to do that (hint-hint). SP, your parcels are always filled with very thoughtful things. You're the greatest! Thanks again! Best to all, Cheryl

Hello, All!!! I hope none of you have sent me an email becauce I haven't been able to check my email (if I don't hurry up & get another computer of my own I'm going to scream!). The sister's boyfriend's computer had to be worked on due to the 500+ viruses he had (he blamed email but I told him downloading music could open up a computer for viruses too). Anyway, I'll check it soon, I promise! I received the following from my pal: A very pretty card with "Handmade" on back. SP, did you make it? There's a black & yellow bird on a tree or shrub & it has a red flower. It's very pretty, in fact, I'm putting it in a picture frame. Pal, if you made that yourself I am impressed! I also got a package of dianthus 'Arctic Fire' seeds, which were on my want list. A cute little ladybug magnet, an iris plant, & some floating candles. She also sent a battery-operated, handheld fan, which is most appreciated since it's been so hot here. I wasn't thrilled when it got tangled up in my hair, although it would have been hysterical if it would have happened to someone else (say, my husband or one of the kids!). I also got a box of 50 incense cones with a ceremic incense holder "to keep insects at bay" printed on the box. Again, most appreciated since this is the South & we're plagued by all sorts of insects (& the husband's chickens obviously aren't doing their job). Thank you so much secret pal! I loved everything! Here is who has NOT received for May: Theresan Veeja11 GardenHits Gardnwatch Rudybacon Gulliblevolunteer