IF these little critters look JUST like teensy grasshoppers, then it is quite likely that they are grasshopper nymphs. Grasshoppers are extremely small when they hatch from their eggs. They are able to hop all over the place, but cannot fly until they grow up. They shed their skin periodically, and will change their color (and size) as they do so. SO! Take a good look and let us know if you're sure that they are grasshopper babies, or not. Another clue is that the nymphs of grasshoppers feed in just the same way as the adults. They eat foliage. If you have a lot of them, then your basil plants will end up, piece by piece, into the tummies of these little guys, who won't stay little for very long. At this early stage, insecticidal soap would be helpful, as would neem oil.

Welcome, Tanya! I second what cloud_9 said: we may try for a Fall swap but it's been tough the last few years. Spring is always easier because everyone is so eager to get out and start digging! But we may try for one! They've been in different locations over the years, but always in the western half of the state (vs. the south or northeast parts or the central Hartford area, for instance). Monroe many years, Woodbury on occasion, we go wherever it works for people. This thread is in the New England Gardening forum of what used to be GardenWeb (now part of Houzz) so if you check this forum from time to time, you'll see if someone posts a thread to gauge interest in a fall swap. But there are many other threads about other aspects of gardening here -- it's an interesting forum! There are also forums for specific things like hydrangeas, daylilies, landscape design, etc., if you have specific interests. You can find them all here: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums

Cat_Delgado - I know this is kinda late, Dena asked if you have any extra Kim's knee high coneflower would you please set one aside? Thanks. We'll also be happy to take any extra empty pots anyone has. I'm gonna bake rye bread tonight, we'll bring that and some herb butter for it. Plantwise, some other items we are bringing in addition to the ribbon grass and tradescantia are: 1 Siberian Iris, dark purple 1 Lemon balm 4 Tansy plants some calendulas some red poppies Looks like it's going to be the perfect day tomorrow. Can't wait to see everyone again. Bill & Dena

That's good news and good timing for the swap. Added to my bittersweet job situation is that I've got a good feel about a job possibility I have up near Burlington VT (zone 4 ugh!) I really love it up there though, and options I lose due to zone I can make up for by getting a place finally with some sunny spots (tomatos!!!). It's sad though because I started 5 years ago with a desolate yard, and couldn't tell a daffodil from a rhododendron. Now my utterly random scattering of plants is atually starting to really get established and is so nice to watch grow now. Anyway, I should know by the time of the swap and will definately attend if I'm not going to be moving. Tricia: I can definately bring some ajuga, and would love bleeding hearts. Are you going to the swap? Giboosi: Thanks a lot for the offer, let me see where I land. Pennyviolet: The spruces will be coming out whether I move or not because they look pretty shabby. They are about 3' tall, and have pretty bad bare spots. They are alive though, and might look OK in a couple years of good sun. I'd be willing to dig them out for you if you wanted to come by. I can even send a pic if you were considering it. Thanks for the offer on the sedum but I think I might be a bit too shady. I'll chime in on the swap thread when I sort things out. Thanks all.