Hello all, Not sure if it's ok to post this here - but thought you might be interested! http://www.fanshawec.ca/EN/htn1/program/Open_Garden.htm "Fanshawe College Opens Gates to Cuddy Property in St. Thomas on June 5 th 10-4 and 6th 11-4 to Honour the Legacy of A.M. (Mac) Cuddy." The A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Gardens, owned by Fanshawe College and managed by the Horticulture Technician Program, feature one of the largest collections of plants in Ontario. A.M. (Mac) Cuddy Garden In 2007, Patricia VanOmen Cuddy, widow of the late A.M. (Mac) Cuddy, donated the property known for decades as Cuddy Gardens to Fanshawe College. This living legacy is comprised of a lush and unique garden stretching over more than five acres and thrives under the constant attention of the horticulture students and specialists at Fanshawe. It also includes the century-old residence where Mac Cuddy and his family lived for more than 56 years. Over 2,000 species are displayed in dry, rock, woodland, perennial, rose and aquatic gardens. Several plants found in the garden, such as the indigenous Cucumber Magnolia and the Yellow Trillium, are on the endangered species list.

... missed you ... maybe we'll be able to trade at Green Elephant or next time in Auburn

Thanks Karen! Somewhere in a GW thread I read that local groups/communities designate an informal site like a picnic table in a park pavillion, public building or farmers market to rehome extra plants or seeds. Before I posted here I searched the Garden Clubs of Illinois website. (Nothing local - mostly northern Illinois.)I tried the U of I extension, Illinois Gardener, Craigslist... I finally found the public parks system website listed "Garden club at senior center, 1st Monday of each month, 6:30 p.m.,fee $15.00." My first thoughts were "Oh no, who can afford $180/year membership. This probably isn't for me." I went anyway...glad I did. (they have since changed the wording to "annual fee".) I met some very kind, welcoming women. I've lived/gardened in this town most of my life - never knew there was an annual plant give away/fund raiser. I found out that there are many local groups affiliated with Garden Clubs of Illinois. Why doesn't the Illinois site list the various districts, clubs or contact info? My e-mail to them was shunted from club secretary to commitee chairperson, who was willing to forward to my local membership chair...by then I'd already joined. Anyway, to anyone with the intention of easily swapping, buying, or giving away plants/seeds locally your suggestions were spot on. Freecycle/Craigslist, co-workers, garden clubs, mastergardeners, and plant sales are the best options. Information about the last three take some ongoing searches as they don't advertise thier activities much. DD

I think this year it was held a month early. "The plant swap is Saturday, April 30th this year. Thats this Saturday. At Sullivan High School Parking lot, 6631 N Bosworth Ave, Chicago, IL (not affiliated with the school) Starting 10:00 a.m. I'm told. You don't want to be late, because the plants get swapped amazingly fast, and then there is nothing left. My phone is 773-465-9329 -----David"