MARK YOUR CALENDAR & TELL YOUR FRIENDS

Here is the basic information:

Date: Saturday, May 19, 2007
Time: 10:00 am
Place: Shelter #5, Hilliard Municipal Park, Hilliard, Ohio. The park is on Veterans Memorial Dr.

TRADING MATERIALS: plants, well rooted cuttings potted up, bulbs, shrubs, happy seedlings, garden ornaments,& bundled garden magazines, extra gardening implements, etc.

(PLEASE MARK ALL PLANT MATERIALS WITH THE PLANT NAME AND CARE (shade, sun, etc) REQUIRED!!! Also, mark any plants as invaisive or poisonous, if known)

POT LUCK: Please bring a dish to pass with serving untensil & your own beverage We will provide plates, plastic silverware, napkins & cup. It's a good idea to mark your serving spoons etc. with your name. I can tell you...gardeners are WONDERFUL cooks!!

DOOR PRIZES: If anyone wants to donate something for a door prize, please feel free. Over the years we have had many really neat prizes!! Lots of fun.

This should be a wonderful chance to share your passion for gardening, meet other avid and learning gardeners, have a festive and delicious meal, acquire some new plants & share your extra's. Please come with a happy and sharing heart. Bring pictures of your gardens, flowers, etc. - if you like!

This is the plan for the day:

10:00 -12:00 - people arrive, sign-in with your name and number of plants, get name tag, put plants in viewing/swap area, put dish to pass away, visit with other gardeners & start viewing plants.
Noon - have lunch
After lunch - door prize(s) awarded
1:00 - swap begins
After swap - more visiting, pack up & goodbyes.

This plant swap is free...but, if anyone wants to donate a dollar that day to help defray the cost of the shelter (now $50, paper products, etc) - we won't argue with you!

We've been to many swaps we really like this swapping style - a modified ROUND ROBIN.
Round One - pick one plant
Next Round - pick one plant
Next Round - pick two plants
Next Round - pick three plants
And so on, and so on....
This way everyone gets a chance to get some of the plants they really have on eye on. This works well and people have been very pleased in the past. Everyone should be able to take home as many plants as they bring.

Some tips for the day would include bringing a folding chair (sometimes needed), a box or container labeled with your name to put your new plants in after swapping & bring and mark your serving utensils for your dish to pass. If you have room in the car...bring an extra table, just in case.

Hilliard Municipal Park can be found by getting into Columbus, then go to the outerbelt, I-270 & go west, and getting off at Cemetery Road Exit. Go west again (towards Hilliard) on Cemetary Rd. Stay on Cemetery Road about 2 miles until right past Main Street (a traffic light). At this point you still go straight because Cemetery Road joins with Scioto Darby Road. Go about .4 mile down road until you get to Veterans Memorial Drive which is on the left.

Veterans Memorial Drive/Hilliard Municipal Park is off of Scioto Darby road on the left side of the road - across from Hilliard Heritage Middle School. (NOT hilliard Memorial Middle school - that, you'll see first.) Another landmark is that Veterans Memorial Dr. is where you see the Urgent Care & Sunshine Academy. Shelter #5 is only about 1/10 mile from the park entrance. You stay directly on the park's main road and go .1 mile and turn right (just past all the flag poles). You'll turn right again quickly into a parking lot directly in front of shelter #5. The shelter just left of the children's playyard.

We hope you can make it.

PLEASE EMAIL with RSVP so we can get a head count. (This helps us know how many plates, cups, etc. to bring)

This should be a FUN, informal day to share our love of gardening! We are contacting some of our gardening friends & alerting the Gardeweb.com people & the local garden club. Hopefully we'll have a good crowd. You should bring a gardening friend, too!

Please email with any questions.

HOPE YOU CAN MAKE IT TO THE SWAP!

Good gardening...

...Beverly & Mimi

~~Mimi

Always a great time, and I'm looking forward to it! I have no idea what plants I'll bring, but I'll probably have a bunch of non-plant material. And I hope to bring my mother and sister back up as well!

Let the count down begin!

I'll be doing some Winter Sowing and I can see lots of things in the yard that need dividing and many volunteers.

Think spring (although it's pretty spring like outside recently!)

Beverly

Sheesh...it's hard to believe that it is time to mark the calendar already! Thanks.

(If it's really good, I've got another gardening sister I could throw in as well!)

Does anyone need seeds? Email me. I have a ton of donations for the Newbie Seed Project that have just arrived and more to arrive. There's no reason anyone should be bored this winter!

Wowser...we already have 15 folks interested in coming to the swap.

It will be lots of fun.

Only 4 monthes away and it makes me excited to think about it.

Good gardening.......Beverly

Great to think about the swap on a cold, clear winter's day. (altho' my bulbs are up and my dayliles too - same as everyone else's I'm sure.)

Thanks for organizing this again! Don't know what plants I'll have but I'll bring a good door prize that I've been setting aside for the swap.

Thing spring......Beverly

Hi Betty...congrats on the award. If any folks can save ailing plants, it would be you and Ron! I was recently in Michigan...they finally have a bit of cold and snow. But, I am not suprised your daylillie are getting new growth. Sounds like you and Ron are enjoying Florida.

Before we know it....it will be springtime!

......Beverly

I still haven't decided what I'm winter-sowing this year; better get cracking if I want extras for the swap!

Finally have some snow but I can still see the tops of some of my daylilies. (Put in a new DL bed in August - 40 plants - hope the wacky weather doesn't stunt them!)

Barbi

Steph - so glad that you and friends will join us in May. Lots of plants will be up by then in the garden. It will be fun!

Barbi/strmywthr - it's GREAT you got the day off! Yippeee! Your neighbor would certainly be welcome.

Think spring, everybody!

Beverly

I can't wait to see everyone, eat all that great food and take home some plants! I'm getting ready to start my winter sowing this weekend. Thanks for hostessing again Beverly and Mimi!
Kim

I'll be starting my winter sowing too - love it. Gardening in the winter!!!

I don't know what's better - the potluck or the plants or the friends or the....

Think spring...Beverly

Sue
"The one thing all gardeners share in common is a belief in tomorrow"

See you in May....Beverly

Wonderful to see the swap is offical! It's wonderful to hear from all our swap buddies! With this snow I'm doing a lot of garden dreaming myself. I'll be bringing daylilies this year. I may even bring a few hosta. I'll probably bring a lot because I need to give room in the back yard for my new boxer, Molly. She's 8 months old now and all feet.

I'm about to put my seed orders in. Anybody want to share their favorite seed sources? (If we are allowed to do that here.)

Have a wonderful day!
Trish

Lynne

Trish...I am so glad you'll be coming again this year! Hope you bring Paul and Dick, too! I bet Molly is SO big since I've seen her last. She was a new puppy then.

Hey Granny!!!! Glad your computer is fixed!

Hi Twyla (keets)...I am glad you and Kathy are returning to the swap again. Great! Of course, your sisters are so welcome to come also!! The more the merrier, as they say.

Hi Lynne...it would be nice if your daughter could attend too. The swap is a perfect place to get plants for a new house! Yes, everyone loves hostas!

Think spring....Beverly

I have been busy nursing my family lately. Nothing serious but one thing after another and then they share! I can't wait until SPRING!!!! I've also been busy digging out from the snow. (Yes, still!) Our mail carrier informed me that we have the dubious honor of having the single largest snow pile in front of our mail box in all of Hilliard!!!! Where's my prize!?!?! The joys of living on the end of the court.

I have not yet begun to dream about what I'll be bringing to the swap. I'd better be getting my head into the garden!

Beverly is busy right now. She has just had her first Grandbaby!!! All is well and he's a cutie!!!!

Glad to hear from all of you!

~~Mimi

Hi Granny...Thanks! Being a Grandma is now one of my greatest joys. FUN.

Hi Diane - great news about Kelly Todd and friends! Thanks so much for letting us know.

Hostalavistaa!!!!!!!! - it's good to see you. So glad you are coming with Cathy and Diane. It will be wonderful to see old friends!

Wow...some 43 people have said they are coming to the swap, so far. GREAT>

Think spring....Beverly

I'm trying to think of something a little more elaborate than what I provided in the past. I'm thinking of a crockpot perhaps of something yummy or just a great traditional potluck classic. I'm thinking hot dish b/c that was one area that might need some pizzaz.

I was thinking about wraps, but because I live so close, perhaps I should try for something heated and leave the cold cuts to others.

Anyone have any ideas? What are YOU bringing?

~~Mimi

Any suggestions on how to get a cutting to grow? Do these root in water?

-- Abbiejan

I'm embarassed to say I will have very little in the way of winter-sown seedlings this year. But I'll have a ton of non-plant items -- sachets, sleep pillows, herb containers, maybe even a trellis!

I should have plenty of WS babies for the swap. maybe a few plants pulled out of my beds too!

I had so much fun last year and can't wait til this years swap!
Barbi

Hostalavista Babee, linda

Barbi

I'm not sure about winter sowing sprouts ... I enjoy bringing those to the fall swap. I will have all my plants dug by 4/15. Yes, taxes are long done.

What about some really nice meatballs for food? Nice and warm in the crockpot and tasty to munch on. hmmm still thinking.

My reticulata are blooming all around the house! I love it!!

See you all soon!

~~Mimi

I was thinking of making sweet and sour cucumber and onion - like my mom and grandma used to make. Or..maybe a Thai cold noodle peanut salad. I am not sure. Alison...pulled pork does sound good. However, anything you bring always tastes good. (I remember you made a cake with real lavendar in it one year..right)Granny - That BLT dip sounds yummy too! Bakemom - I'd go for something from the crockpot too. Yum.

Kin2mice - your door prize ideas are great. Thanks!

Moa Tse Mom - your idea of the mini hostas is wonderful! They are so hard to find...everyone loves them.

Wouldn't it be fun if everyone could go home with a door prize!

Think spring....Beverly

This is the third year. Folks, I never asked him - he always offers. He has a wonderful and kind generosity of sprit. PLUS, the best place in these parts to buy plants. He carries the plants that are often difficult to find. Also, Baker's carries over 100 different kinds of coleus.

Check it out.

Three cheers for Chris Baker!!!!!!!!

..Beverly

I have sprouts in my winter sowing jugs, four kind of flowers blooming in the garden and I painted my toenails. That means that it's officially SPRING!

Baker's Acres rocks! Chris is so cool!. I just discovered that old friends of ours have a new hosta and shady plant farm over that way too. I'll have to visit Sarah and Joe when I make my spring pilgrimage to Baker's! I put up a link for anyone who might be interested. I'll be inviting them to the swap as well.

It's getting close!

~~Mimi

Barbi...I've had by butterfly bushes self seed now and then. However, I would try some tip cuttings dipped in Rootone - put into a light soil mix. I've done that with lavendar.

Folks...we are up to 51 folks saying that they want to attend the swap.

Thing spring....Beverly

I'll be bringing some kind of garden chachka for a door prize. I have a naked bowling ball on my sunporch. Hmmm.... Hostalavista, You're right. It would be lovely if everyone could go home with a prize!

I got a pick up full of mulch today from Leigh Anne. A little early but the price was right! Leigh Anne says Hi to all of you. Hostalavista--she still has that rusty wagon for you!

See you all soon!

~~Mimi

Diane, sure I'll bring you a lilac, hopefully it will be white, it is growing close to the white one. I'd like some of your white bee balm too, I don't think I have that, but I do have some called Dotted Mint.
Now don't think that they are Dotted, they are pink, xaroleht do you have that one? I could spare another one.

I better get some notes written, I'm soooo forgetful lately, don't want to disapoint anyone, especially my garden friends. They are the best???
Getting anxious..

Now on a completed different topic. My mum's garden is getting over run with a deep blue bell flower (at least that is what it looks like when it blooms) and daisys, and some orange tiger lilies. She has asked me to ask any of you if you would like some. The catch is that you have to dig them yourself with my help. I think there is enough for 5 people. I am bringing some to the swap but there is plenty left. She lives in Groveport and will be gone for most of april but I will be house sitting and know what needs to be dug and will be there most sundays and fridays all day and before 11am on the rest of the days.
Thanks, just shoot me an email at kin2mice@yahoo.com if you are interested.

Daylily's

Dragon Dreams**** lavender with light violet
dublin elaine**** Pink self
magic dawn **** pink/rose
mary todd **** yellow
red ribbon**** red (spider) petals are more apart
pink **** unknown
rococo**** yellow self (spider - larger booms)
shishedo **** pink
silk mystique**** wine
spider breeder**** deep lemon yellow
wine delight**** red with purple

let my known if you want some for a private trade. I'm looking for woodland, hosta, and iris (named). Just send me a list at dianemgarrett@yahoo.com thanks diane

We will just do our best and start over if need be.

One of my Bakemom phlox (woodland) has already perked back up and is ready for the swap. Time will tell.

This cold snap sure made my daffs sad and droopy, but otherwise we're doing pretty good here. My brother lost all his peach blossoms, and the saucer magnolia next door lost all the flower buds. :( Luckily the only shrub here that seems to have gotten nipped was the lilac, and it doesn't look too bad. It doesn't seem to have bothered anything I've potted up for the swap so far. I'm hoping it won't keep the germander from filling out, I just potted up a bunch of starts before it hit.

See you all soon!

Just back from spending the winter in sunny Mexico and we came back to snow! My flowers are droopy and my lilac looks awful! The good news is the blossoms did not all fall off my peach tree so I may have peaches in spite of it all. I plan on coming and bringing three or four of my family. Will probably bring glass as usual. I would especially like to trade for shade wildflowers.

I can't remember who it was that helped me about 3 or 4 years ago but thanks.

I can tell that you all have so much fun and that's what makes a plant swap good.

Keep doing what you're doing. It works.

All my best, Carol Ann

I'm delivering a message for Beverly. It goes for me too! (All except the computer trouble of course!)

Hi folks...been having trouble with my computer. I've tried to post, but it doesn't. I'll try again!

Jeanne...glad you and your mom will come again!!

Alison...I look forward to your mom attending as well - of course - those var. hostas will travel again to different parts of Ohio and beyond. Love it.

Hi Shadowgarden - glad your back. Yes, alot of us have suffered with frosted spring plants, trees and shrubs. Mother nature does her own thing! As always, I look forward to your glass goodies.

Hi Carolann....SO GLAD your Texas swap has gone well. Plant swaps are some of the most fun things. Thanks for letting us know that the folks at the Central Ohio swap could help!!

Think spring.....Beverly (and Mimi too!)

Jeanne...we'll miss you..but, I am SO happy your son in law will be home and he deserves a grand party. That's right..you were at the first one so many years ago.

Hi Sunbury girl...sounds great! Everyone loves tomatoes and that yummy potato salad.

I can't wait to see Naomi and Noah...it's been a pleasure watching them grow!

See you all soon...think spring...think swap....Beverly

Granny I’m so glad your hostas are doing well! I went out after the freeze and was stunned how many of my best hostas were frozen to mush. Many have not recovered yet. My Pandora’s Box is down to one eye. My Fragrant Fire is completely mush and has not sent up any new growth since the freeze. Now, my old standbys are fine, but ARGH-- not some of the fancy-dancy ones I planned to trade this year. They are awful! Maybe they are telling me they don’t want to move.

Now, my daylilies are fine even though a vole moved in and has been spending the winter eating the roots. Too bad my cats are indoor cats. ;~) I should have plenty of them to trade this year. (That’s daylilies not voles.) Also, my pink spiderwart and forget-me-nots (blue) went crazy this year, so they will be looking for new homes.

I’ll have more of a list later. Take care all! Looking forward to seeing you all!
Trish

Unfortunately I have to retract a few guests. Neither my mother nor sister will be able to come up from Cincinnati -- they've got a big neighborhood do on the same day. And my friends Terri, Diane and Janice will be at a retreat that weekend, so they won't be able to make it.

But I'm pretty sure my fiends Fred and Leone will come again, and I'll definetely be there, plants and pork in tow!

Trish....my Pandora's Box is down to one eye, too. It's a cute little thing..but, certainly never gets very full!

Alison ...sorry your family can't attend this year - the friends too. But, the fiends are welcome!! I like the Browns, too!

Think spring...think plants...think swap!

Beverly

Beverly

I need to get digging! I have had several setbacks lately, including a night off at the hospital, that have set me back. I usually have everything potted up by now. Oy! At least most of what I have to bring is indestructible, Stella's, Hostas, Mum and the like. Tomorrow better be sunny so that I can get Beverly and my plants out of the ground.

I do have some things ready for door prizes. Stuff I've made as usual.

I'm getting excited!

~~Mimi

Besides outdoor plants, am wondering if houseplants are an option?

I have a few small jades that I really don't have room for. They're from good plants but I always root too many babies and then have too many jades!

Getting excited about the swap!

11 days and counting!

~~Mimi

That's the forcast for next Saturday. Of course, it could change a half dozen times. But, the outlook is good, so far.

I am thinking of making Thai Cold Noodle Salad (noodles, peanut, soy, cukes, green onions, hot sauce) or sweet and sour cucumber and onions. Any requests.

It will be fun to see folks! Can't wait.

Bakemom...those meatballs sure sound good!

Beverly

I think a road trip is in order to BAkers sometime after the swap!!! - we'lll have to plan on it, folks.

See you all soon.........Beverly

Sorry to hear you won't be doing the fall swap. I'm sure it is a lot of work. I'd be glad to do it if it could be moved to the middle of August because once school starts, I swamped! However, I know that it is a terrible time to transplant things, so if someone else can do it later, that would be great!

Everybody,

I’ve got my list of the daylilies I will be bringing this year.
Jamacia Rose
Arigatou
Roses in Snow
Tangerine Horses
Calgary Stampede
Funny Valentine

I already have lilies-of-the-valley potted up to come. I’ll do most of my potting this weekend.

Let me know, and we can work out a trade!

I'm also looking forward to Mimi's famous italian love in a pot. It's such a pleasure to encounter a true italian cook.

Is it just me or does anyone else enjoy the food as much as the plants...and of course the good company?

One week and counting!

~~Mimi

Bev and I will get serious about checking out our paper supplies after she gets back from her trip to see her grand baby. (Be sure to ask her or Murray to see pics. He's a cutie!) The signs are all ready and tables are accessible.
Just one more thing.....

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY TO YOU ALL!

~~Mimi

Happy Mothers day Ya'll.
I've got two really cool frames and pics and some cool coupons to Bluestone perrenials for door prizes.
see you there!

Mimi dug up a bunch of my things for the swap (I have new foot problems stemming from previouss ones - darn!!)-

iris - grape jelly - dark purple
new york purple aster
penstemon red husker
black eyed susan
ground cover sedum
clematis- sweet autumn
filenpendula - queen of the prairie
phlox paniculatta

There's probably others - I can't recall.

I am looking for rock garden plants for a sunny location.

The weather looks good. Mimi has made some really cute garden "pretties'" for door prizes.

Can't wait to see all of you.

Beverly

I can hardly wait to see everyone!

Take care......Beverly

I went to pay for the shelter today. Because I booked the shelter last December 2006 - I got the 2006 rate!! Who knew?? Not me...so, it will still be $30 for the spring swap. Great!

Steph....you have a great list!!

See you all soon...the weather should be good.

Bevery

Can't wait 'til Sat and the swap!

http://www.postgazette.com/garden/20020525show3.asp

The weather should be fine so wear your sun screen!!!

~~Mimi

see ya tommorow.
I'll be running a tad late have to take my boyfriend to work at 10am so I should show at around 11am)

I only have 16 plants this year due to craaaazy weather that did not accomodate my work schedule. I hope to have more items this fall.

I have some houseplant babies potted up. These plants are special to me as some I have had since I was 19. I'm 45. Nothing rare or anything, just nice and easy to grow inside. I only keep 2 plants inside all year and three additional come in and out with the seasons.

I can't wait to see you all!

Travel safely!!

Beverly

I brought about 30 items and took home 12 - mostly items for my elderly parents' shade garden. Celedine poppy, bloodroot, plumed solomon's seal and some lamiums. I have a nice phlox I want to practice rooting cuttings from and Alison's cupid's dart to add to the ones I winter sowed last year.

I hope you guys liked the meatballs - I was glad they got snarfed up. Next swap, I'm thinking hashbrown cheesy creamy casserole.

Thanks Mimi and Beverly - another job well done.

I will be posting a link for pictures soon. Keep on the look out!

~~Mimi

WOW! What a day - it was wonderful. Despite the big winds early in the morning, and they grey sky during the day - our outlooks were sunny! (Thanks to Betty and Ron for taping on the tableclothes - as they kept blowing off early this am.)

It was wonderful seeing long time friends and making new friends, too. It's amazing, I met Noah when he was just past being a baby & now he'll be in third grade. I loved seeing everyone!

Thanks to everyone for making today's swap so much fun. The plants were great with a good variety. The food was fantastic - gardener's sure can cook and bake. The door prizes were amazing. I think we had over forty!!

Now to the count....we had 135+ people today. That's the most ever. We had about 2183 plants - according to the sign in book.

Murray and I brought 24 plants this year. Murray got some tomatoes and he's happy! I got some rock garden plants, 2 small tufa pots with plants, white swan echinacea, salvia, lamium, beautiful glass from shadowgarden and a few more. SO MUCH FUN! I brought the bed frame to trade today...does anyone know who took that home for the new "bed"? (Just curious?)

I wish I had a chance to see what you all got. That's as much fun as getting goodies yourself.

Lisa Collier mentioned that she might do the swap in the fall. Stay tuned...we'll see what happens. My son is getting married on Sept. 29 - I"ll have a busy September.

Bakemom....yes, I loved those meatballs. Is that a new recipe? Your hashbrown cheesey casserole sounds good too. But, if there's a fall swap - we couldn't possibly live without your apple salad. :)

Folks, thanks again. Keep in touch. Have a great spring and summer.

...Beverly

I got a bunch of wonderful things! Gratefully I took more than I brought home. What I brought home was magic lilies (which my husband just loves), Wabash Iris (which I just fell in love with), some Black Eyed Susan (to give to a friend), a bag of Purple Iris (which I gave all but one piece of to a friend), some ground covers, and three hostas (Sea Dream, Orphan Child and Golden Tierra). Then I was silly enough to go a nursery close by and buy $84.00 worth of plants. On one of the other forums, I heard about a new disease CHAD (Chronic Horticultural Acquisition Disorder) I think I have a serious case.

Thanks for the Private trades Granny57 and Hostalavista!

Thanks to everyone! It was great!

Trish

THANK YOU Beverly, Mimi and your families!

Maybe we can post recipes from the swap? I'd love that meatballs recipe!

(Granny57 - that houseplant I brought is a Rosary Vines, aka String of Hearts. It likes bright, indirect light.)

- Abbie jan

I had a wonderful time and picked up some lovely planters and plant stands. The feverfew, centaurea, penstemon and lady's mantle are already in the ground. The hens-and-chicks and the purple trad (Purple Queen? Moses-in-the-basket?) are already in their containers. I've suspended the two glass globes with the wide collars from fishing line, and they're hanging in my bedroom windows with coleus cuttings. And I'm trying to decide how to trick-out some of those plant stands for my upcoming yard sale.

As always, the best part of the swap was the people. Some folks I've know since I was a little kid, some folks I only see at the swap, some folks I've lured in over the years. All great people and great friends, and I only wish I could get there early enough to spend time chatting with everyone.

I told Bev I think part of the reason the swap works so well is that gardeners are at the same time the most generous -- and the most covetous -- people on the plant. We all want a little bit of every plant -- and then we want to share it with everyone else, along with comments about our experiences.

Next year, I'll have the car loaded up the night before, so I can get there earlier!

Enjoy!

~~Mimi

What great pictures! Thank You!!!!!!! I downloaded a few to keep the happy memories going.

Trish

Beverly

I need the recipe for the pasta salad that looked like it was made with ramen noodles. it was yummy!

I'm already looking forward to next years swap. maybe I'll make to the fall swap this year too.

Barbi

Nancy and the rest of the gang (both human and furry)

Thanks Margie! That's my son Sam on the front stoop with my lanterns. He's 3 1/2 going on 12!!!! He wanted to be in the picture of my junk so I figured that he would enhance the pic!

~~Mimi