I could give you at least 2 dozen plants. I live in Lexington and if anyone else reading this wants to leave plants with me we could minimize travel for the organizer. Michelle should be aware, though that things dug up now might not look so great a day after. If I dig up things tomorrow maybe by Thursday they'll have gotten over the worst of their transplant shock.
I have some good stuff that she can price high: European ginger. I'll see what else will travel well.

You are a good person to do this! Our youngest (now graduating from college) was at children's as a newborn. What a wonderful place.

speechless by the amazing gift you have given me of your time and effort and now THIS? You rock.

FTR: WELL on our way to the $10,000 goal. AND your act of selfless volunteering has inspired the whole STORE to make this work!
I am so glad you stopped by and sad.. you missed my brute squad.. The family I have mercilessly driven for the past year showed up to lend a hand.
DH at one time was a used car sales man.... These people did not stand a CHANCE lol. And the CUTE factor was high.. my lil 2 came and the twins towers were there to provide muscle. and let me introduce them to everyone as "my baby" and did not kill me..

AND..OMG>.. DH went to pacakrd Farms for " a few flats" and came back WITH ANOTHER WHOLE VAN full.. Off to bed more fun for tomorrow.

Michelle,

After I left Avon, I went to Dollar Tree in Norwood where I had previously purchased these wire hanging planters and that straw kind of stuff. The planters and straw were of course $1.00 each but they were all out. They called around for me when I mentioned the Children's Hospital and the Alston store had 10 left. I drove over there and scooped them up. I'll bring some potting mix on Saturday and maybe we can do something along the lines of buy the basket with "straw" for say $5.00 along with the plants and we'll plant it for you. Try to catch Dads with kids and get them to buy them as Mothers' Day gifts. The kids could do the planting themselves if they want - I have some of those disposable gloves. This way they can customize what they want and tell their Moms "I made it myself". Could try the same concept (gimmick?) with the pots. Maybe you could ask your husband if based on his experience this would work!

It was great to meet you and the so, so nice people at Cosco. I'm looking forward to next Saturday.

Hi Marie (aka idabean),

Thank you so much for your email. We'll coordinate the pick up and delivery. As I mentioned in my response, I had a friend whose daughter was in Children's for over a week and was so impressed with the quality of the care she received and very importantly, the real affection of the staff for their small patients during which much be a very, very tumultous time for not only the children, but the parents as well. Thank you so very much again.

From Aaron (Michelle's husband) since I happened to see this post on the monitor:

@zahzeen - I like the "I made it myself" Mom's Day gift idea. It will just require an extra table and a nice sign to help grab someone's attention... and a smiling face ready to lend a hand.

@idabean - I like the idea of pricing some items high to get better donations. However, many of the shoppers were viewing us as a garage sale and looking for the bargain.

Michelle's comment about my car sales experience immediately made me think of a shyster. :( But it just helped me learn how to engage a prospect and approach a sale. When we're selling just plants we get the bargain hunter looking to scrimp us. When we sell Children's Hospital and provide plants as a thank you... that's when we get the $$$. We sometimes need to remind the customer what we're selling so they feel good about the 'transaction'.

Michelle/Aaron,

Used car salesman a shyster????? I just bought a used car and the salesman was wonderful - I got a great deal (or so I want to believe!)

Being a novice, I looked up European Ginger on Google and it has great selling points - shade plant, shinny leaves, spreads but not invasive. Aaron, haven't met you yet but we should be able to get a premium if you put on the right "spin" - I'm sure! You can put me down for the first sale.

Michelle, it was nice meeting you. I want to encourage any one in the area to go and meet Michelle at the plant tent. I got some wonderful plants and I will be back for more next week. Remember it's all for Children's Hospital.
Happy Gardening,
Tom

Hi All,
Where abouts in Avon is the sale? Also, what are the times?

Thanks!

Hi Tulipsmiles (love the moniker!). It's REALLY EASY to find (if I can find it, anyone can!). The sale is at the Cosco in Avon right next door to IKEA (the address is 120 Stockwell Drive). Take 128/95 to Rt. 24(exit 4 off 128/95) and go about 5 miles to exit 19B off Rt. 24. At the end of the ramp take a right and about .2 miles take another right on Stockwell Road. Go down about .5 miles past Christmas Tree Shops, Home Depot, etc. and you come to a small rotary that points you to take the first right off the rotary to COSCO. The tent is at the front of store. I'm pretty sure the hours are 10 to 5 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during May. The best way to get directions is to Google COSCO and enter "Avon" for the location - there's a button for directions you can get door to door. Good luck - hope you can make it. Thanks.