For new people that are not sure how a plant swap works the following will help explain.
The main theme for the swap is to enjoy the company of other gardeners, keep things loose, & have fun. We all bring our extra plants, favorite seeds, plus any garden related "stuff" like garden magazines, garden decor, baskets, buckets, pots, manure, fertilizer, etc.
Many trades are made at the swap, but pre-trades are good too, since you know you will be getting something you want, & you know your stuff is getting a new home. Pre-trades happen here. You list what you have available and others will start telling you what they are interested in. If you prefer, you can wait to see what is on their list before you agree to a swap. Both parties should be happy with the trade. You can swap anything for anything, no "rules" about seed-for-seed, plant-for-plant, etc; as long as both gardeners agree. You can even bring plants you've bought inexpensively from Lowes discount tables.
Label your plants. Cut-up pieces of old window blinds are good for this. Also it's nice to put your name on the plants you are trading in case there is a question, or so we can remember you by the plant you traded.
Very important: do not remove plants or other items from tables or from under tables. Plants and things no longer up for trade are placed beneath the tables and are off limits. You should never take plants from someone's table without asking.
Bring a small table for your plants if you would like, since there are probably not enough picnic tables for everyone.
Pre-trading is a good way to make sure you get what you'd like. It's basically putting a plant on "reserve." However, not everyone does this and you'll just have to wait until they get to the park and put everything out on their table. :-) It's handy to put your pre-trades for each person in a box with that person's name on it & jot down on the label or box what you are to get from that person.
Dress for the weather. Loose comfy clothing, comfy shoes, a hat, maybe a sweater, water, hand lotion or sun block, boxes for packing, markers, notebook, camera, labels, etc are all good things to have on hand "just in case". We are usually there whether it's rain or shine unless there is really bad weather.
Even if you don't have many plants or garden material for trading yet you can trade fruit, home canned products, or baked goods. Because this is a Plant swap, many people want plants in trade, so please don't be upset if someone doesn't want to trade their prize camellia for a jar of jam. Some people may just give you what you ask for without receiving something in trade. Many people don't worry about even-steven trades. But we all would like to take new plants home.
If you don't have plants to trade, you can always go to an area nursery and purchase a few things that you might like to use as trading material. Or you can buy garden related items like tools, gloves, garden decor, pots and use them to trade. Dollar Stores are good for this. If you see something on someone's list that you want, why don't you ask what they would like in return? Let them know you don't have much to trade and see if they would accept and new pair of garden gloves. Many people have been doing this for several years, & have many plants that they will trade for a token and some gardeners offer plants "free to good home".
Please be aware that we will be asking each person attending for $1.00 as a donation for the use of the facility. The donations will go to school for the children. Looking forward to seeing you there! If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here.
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