Membership fees are extremely reasonable - often under $20 for a year. A few benefits of the Mount Forest Horticultural Society, one of the societies I belong to- -great speakers -incredible potluck dinners -friendship -local information about garden centres, plants, perennials, great gardens, hardiness etc. -experience- there are some incredible gardeners who belong -discounts at local nurseries -bus tours - expeditions with the hort society usually costs less than if I went by myself -prizes at every meeting -belonging to a community of gardeners Plus, the horticultural societies usually use the membership dues and other fees to get great speakers and to beautify the town. Joining the hort society is sometimes a way of expanding your own gardening experience and area. Imagine driving into your beautiful town and knowing you helped make it beautiful! For me, the problem is only choice and time. My local towns of Harriston and Clifford also have fantastic hort societies. One last benefit- some of the members are elderly and do not possess computer skills. But their depth of knowledge is extraordinary. I'd join for them alone. Go for it. You'll like it.

I'm hosting a plant swap and sale in SW Sask. I'm about 2 hours SW of Moose Jaw and 11/2 hours SE of Swift Current. The date in May 29 and 30. For more info, email me. gr.debruyne@xplornet.com. I will also be having a yard sale at the same time.

I hope to be there. I have a fairly new yard, but have a few cuttings of giant ice plant, Carpobrotus acinaciformis, to bring. Also, a small canna plant--no name, tall, reddish leaf with small red flowers--that is growing out of the garden bed. Haven't decided yet on what food I'll bring :) Marcia Here is a link that might be useful: info on giant ice plant

I had a question on email about what kind and size of plants to bring (but was unable to get a return email through.) Basically, any size and type of plants are welcome, as long as they are healthy plants you would want in your garden. Last year we had small and large plants, common and exotic plants. Plants from experienced gardeners, plants from relative newbies. Annuals, perennials, tomatoes, peppers, herbs, ivy, daylilies, houseplants. Most people put them in used nursery pots -- any size -- but a few were in plastic bags. Labelling the plants is helpful. Don't worry if you've never been to a swap before -- we're real informal, and you'll meet some great people.