DETAILS OF THE SWAP:

1. You can send as many seed packets as you would like, but try to limit to no more than 10 packets of the same variety unless they're a rare or new introduction, or specialty name varieties and then the maximum will go up to 20 per same variety.
2. Make a LIST of the seed varieties that you are including. Hopefully I will try to send back all new and different varieties of seed depending on what is sent in. People love variety, so try to include as many different varieties as you are able to.

3. Please send your seeds in a BUBBLER MAILER! I will reuse the envelope to return your seeds to you.

4. The deadline for seeds to reach me will be November 15th and I will try to have back by the first part of December.

5. In your bubble mailer: Include your seeds, a label with your return address on it for me to put on your envelope, enough postage to get your package back to you and a list of all the seeds you are sending. If you would like, you may include a list of seeds you are looking for.

Please sign up ON THIS THREAD. After you sign up remember to send an e-mail message to me asking for my address. In it include your full name, mailing address, GardenWeb name and your e-email address.

OK! Are you ready to join the swap? You know you wanna! We all like seeds whether we plant them or not. It's the idea of having the packets of seeds to look at and thinking just where in the world can we tuck them into a space.

Margo

Have you ever wondered what the real meaning of plant catalog terminology is?

“A favorite of birds” MEANS to avoid planting near cars, sidewalks, or clothes lines.

“Grows more beautiful each year” MEANS “Looks like road kill for the foreseeable future.”

“Zone 5 with protection” is a variation of the phrase “Russian roulette.”

“May require support” means your daughter’s engineering degree will finally pay off.

“Moisture-loving” MEANS plants are ideal for landscaping all your bogs and swamps.

“Carefree” refers more to the plant’s attitude than to your workload.

“Vigorous” is a code for “has a Napoleonic compulsion to take over the world.”

“Grandma’s Favorite” until she discovered free-flowering, disease-resistant hybrids.

Have a great evening everyone!

Ellie

Those that have signed up for the seed swap are:
Alana
Diene
Margo
Vina
Shirley

Lets here it from some of you that are sitting on the garden bench. There is still plenty of time to sign up. You know you wanna.

What do you call a grumpy and short tempered gardener?
A SnapDragon.

Guess I better hang it up for the night. The big quilt show is tomorrow and my sister, niece and sister-in-law are all coming to town. Have a great evening!

While I am at the quilt show...stop by and sign up for the seed swap and I shall check when I get home. Have a nice weekend!

Ellie

I would like to join

Sue

Two older ladies were sitting on a park bench outside the local town hall where a flower show was in progress.

One leaned over said, "Life is so boring. We never have any fun anymore. For $5.00 I'd take my clothes off right now and streak through that stupid flower show!"
"You're on!" said the other old lady, holding up a $5.00 bill.

As fast as she could, the first little old lady fumbled her way out of her clothes and, completely naked, streaked through the front door of the flower show.

Waiting outside, her friend soon heard a huge commotion inside the hall, followed by loud applause. The naked lady burst out through the door surrounded by a cheering crowd.

"What happened?" asked her waiting friend.
"Why, I won first prize for Best Dried Arrangement."

Ellie, glad to see you having fun hosting the swap. Here's one for yall...

"Deer Resistant" means the deer probably wont eat it... unless theyre hungry and in your garden. No guarantees on the nibbling squirrels and bunnies though.
~Laura

The quilt show is over for the year and company has left. I haven't had a chance to check my emails since early Saturday morning but I see we have three more joining us in the fun. Welcome to all.

Alana
Diene
Margo
Vina
Shirley
Sue
Faye
Laura
Sue
Faye
Laura

People are like Potatoes!
Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are content to watch others..They are called "Speck Tators.

Some are always looking to cause problems and really get under your skin...They are called "Aggie Tators."

There are those who are always saying they will, but somehow, they never get around to doing...We call them "Hezzie Tators."

Some folks spent a lot of time sitting and peering into their garden...They are called "Medi Tators."

There are those that try to maximize their crop yields while reducing expenses..We call them "Compu Tators."

That's all folks for now. Have a great evening. And those who are still sitting on the sidelines "Hezzie Tatin", "Just say yes".

Ellie

How is everyone's seed collecting coming? We still have plenty of time. And those still "hessie tatin" as to whether to join us, still have time.

A good gardener always plants 3 seeds - one for the bugs, one for the weather and one for himself.

Just got home from work a few minutes ago, so shall go collect the eggs. Getting about 4 dozen a day now.
If anyone has any questions, please email me. Thanks!

Ellie

Planting

One for the mouse, one for the crow
One to rot, and one to grow.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

Ellie

I just finished my envelope for Dan's cocktail swap. I am now going to get this one going. I should have it out by no later than the end of next week. There are some things I am going to harvest that I originally was not going to bother with. I always tell myself I am not going to do much harvesting because I have so much already and then I just can't resist. It seems I find more each year that looks irresistible and I just have to have it. Happy harvesting.

Margo

A new business was opening and one of the owner's friends wanted to send
him flowers for the occasion. The flowers arrived at the new business site and
the owner read the card: "Rest in Peace."
The owner was annoyed, and called to complain."Sir, I'm really sorry for the
mistake, and sorry you were offended," said the florist. "But even worse, somewhere
there is a funeral taking place today, and they have flowers with a note saying,
"Congratulations on your new location."

I finally dug my sweet potatoes Sunday. There was actually potatoes in the planter. I have enough for about 5-6 meals. Next year I shall plant more. I think the only way to grow them in zone 5 is in planters. Has anyone else grown sweet potatoes with success?

Have a great evening everyone.

Ellie

Margo, I agree with you. I always say...I'm done...when it comes to collecting seeds and then I see something else that I think someone might want...so out I go.

We have had 2 frosts and possibly a third that I can't rule out. And I have some Hot Chocolate Rudbeckia that is still flowering. Do you think I'll be able to get the seeds off of it. It is just gorgeous and I'm certain people would like some of the seeds, if not for this swap for the later in the year ones.

Ellie can you elaborate on the sweet potatoes in planters idea. I tried them in the garden and something ate mine this year. Do you keep them on your deck or do you have the planters right in the garden. I see people growing tomatoes like that in large rows of raised bed looking buckets. Just wondering...

Have a great day!!
vina

ps. here's one that I love:

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. ~Chinese Proverb
How true...how true...:)

Vina, to answer your question regarding sweet potatoes. When I did this I really had no idea of what I was doing. Around January I bought a sweet potato from the store and put it in a jar of water with toothpicks holding it about halfway out of the water. It started to sprout and I left it in the jar until about May.

I took a very large tub and put in the middle of a flower bed and buried it up to the rim. I then filled the tub with dirt and lots of compost and then planted the potato.
Lo and behold it started to grow. It grew into a bush with part of it vining out of the tub. Actually at that point even if there were no potatoes growing, I had decided I would do again because it actually made a beautiful plant in itself. I waited until the plant froze then dug it up being careful not to cut the sweet potatoes.
I have read where they need to be left outside to harden off but since it has froze everyday since I dug them, I just put in the greenhouse on sheets.

It may be that they will have to be eaten before the holidays or they won't keep but we'll see.Has anyone else had any experience in planting sweet potatoes? How about anything else that is unusual to grow?

"Friends are flowers in the garden of life." Isn't it amazing how the internet has made it easy for people to becomes friends from long distances away?

Shall call it an evening. There is still lots of time to just say "yes" and join in the seed swap.

Ellie

Thanks for the info Ellie. I think I'm gonna try that next year and see what happens. It sounds like a fun experiment anyway and the kiddos would love to give it a try.

We grew (or tried to) pumpkins this year and we had vines that were like 8 feet long with huge flowers all over them...not one pumpkin. The vines are beautiful though, they are even climbing up my pampras grass giving it a definite Halloween look.

I'm thinking we didn't have any bees to pollinate the flowers, and thus no pumpkins. Or could the plants be sterile? Just guessing out loud...

***"Friends are flowers in the garden of life." Isn't it amazing how the internet has made it easy for people to becomes friends from long distances away?*** too true...

Have a great FALL day!
vina

Joyce

We have two more ladies joining the swap, Joyce & Debbie.
Joyce mentioned that this is her first swap. Welcome both of you.

So far we have:
Alana
Diene
Margo
Vina
Shirley
Sue
Faye
Laura
Joyce
Debbie

Vina you had mentioned earlier that there were no pumpkins on your vines. We didn't have any squash either but I thought I was because we had such a cool summer. And since we had so many berries this year there must have been bees. Or do blackberries, raspberries or strawberries need bees? Guess I never noticed.

The weather station is talking about snow this weekend. I hope it stays in the mountains. I am certainly not ready.

"The love of gardening is a seed that once sown, never dies. "Gertrude Jekyll"

Happy Friday to all!

Ellie

Does anyone know what this is? Otherwise, I will label it pink flowering vine.

Thanks,
Joyce

:)

We have a another person to add to our swap (smcapri). You need to email me with your email address so that I can send you my address. I won't list it on this site.

Does anyone know what type of vine Joyce has? I have never seen it. Joyce is it an annual or perennial? Although I guess it depends on the zone you live in too.

Isn't it next week we set our clocks ahead so that it gets dark earlier? I really don't like it getting dark so early. I get tired and think its time for bed. LOL

Well, its been a long day so shall close for now. Have a great evening everyone.

"A garden is a friend you can visit anytime?

Ellie

Alana, I wish I had taken a close up of the flower when it was in bloom but that pic posted is all I have. The bloom kind of looked like a salvia bloom but then I looked up the Lathyrus blossom and the shape does look similar. My memory is starting to fade on the shape of the bloom.

Joyce, could it be a sweetpea? Mine were nibbled to death by the critters, otherwise I would send you a picture.
~Laura

Joyce, I have been looking through my gardening books and I didn't come up with anything. Is it still blooming so that you can take a closer picture?

Been hauling compost this afternoon to put around the fruit trees for the winter. Sure hope I don't loose any this winter. Last winter I lost 11 but it got so cold in January and the winds were so strong. We had gotten a warm spell right after Christmas the the trees started to get leaf buds.

Thanks for checking in Dan. Come back anytime or better yet join us.

"Garden": A thing of beauty and a job forever.
Isn't that the truth!

Have to go the Home Depot so shall check in later.
Have a good afternoon!

Ellie

Ellie, it is not in bloom anymore. I am gathering plenty of seeds off the vine to share with everyone.

I am watching a nature program on hummingbirds. It is so interesting. I must get more feeders!

Joyce, how about posting a picture of those seeds you're gathering? That would help identify that plant.

Been trying to get my office cleaned up...it's been a dump & run for too long now. Mainly just needs filing. Seems like through the summer months I don't get much done in the house..so now is the time.

There is still plenty of time for those who are still just thinking about joining the swap. Did anyone grow any new and exciting orange, yellow or red flowers this year? I went out yesterday during a break in the weather to see about harvesting some more seeds but I think all the frosty nights and cool weather did them in. I brought in some snapdragens but not sure if they can be saved.

Guess I better get back to work. What do you call it when worms take over the world? Global worming!

Have a nice day!

Ellie

Thanks,

Diana

w9yards

It is raining!!! After we had an extremely wet spring, we went into a hot and dry summer so we are behind in rainfall. The next few days we are supposed to get more rain. I have to postpone getting my seed package sent because I still need to harvest and have to wait for it to be dry. I will definitely get it in on time.

Hope everyone had a great weekend and their next week is a good one.

Margo

Here is the updated list as to who is participating in the swap.
Alana
Diene
Margo
Vina
Shirley
Sue
Faye
Laura
Joyce
Debbie
Smcapri
Vicci
Diana

At least it isn't raining yet. I would like to get to work before it starts. Waiting for the bus in the rain isn't fun. Only suppose to get 47* today. Not ready for such cold weather. Better get moving. Happy monday everyone.

Ellie

I have received Alana 's and Vina's packets already. Don't worry though, we still have at least 2 more weeks.

I am still waiting to here from smcapri. You have chosen not to reveal your email address and that is the only way I can give you my address to mail your seeds.

We still have time for anyone else that would like to join.

Was checking all the emails and noticed that I had forgotten to put Shanta on the list.

So far we have:
Alana
Diene
Margo
Vina
Shirley
Sue
Faye
Laura
Joyce
Debbie
Smcapri
Vicci
Diana
Shanta

Have a good evening everyone.

Ellie

Those of you lurking, come on and sign up. I am going to be including some special varieties of coneflowers and blanketflowers. This is such a great way to get new things for your gardens.

Hope everyone stayed safe in the weather that ripped through.

Margo

Just heard on the news that we are suppose to get some snow tonight. I sure hope that report is WRONG. I have a few more things to do in the yard this weekend. I had forgotten to put mulch down over the blueberry patch last weekend. Also remembered that I wanted to get some more bulbs to plant this fall. I planted lots last year but would like to get some more. Shall run over to Lowe's some night after work.

We still have a few more days to sign up. How many of you winter sow? I did some last year with mixed feelings. There wasn't enough snow cover to keep the seeds protected from the cold temps and the wind. But I probably will try again this year.

What do you call a cow who works for a gardener? A lawn moo-er.

Have a great evening.

Ellie

Ellie, so glad my bubbly arrived :)
I went and got some tubs to give the sweet potatoes a try in the spring. **cross your fingers**

We had a couple of snow flakes last week. Nothing stuck (thank goodness)! And now today 75! I wish the weather would make up its mind. My sinus' can't really stand much more. On Friday, my daughter has her school Halloween parade. Its suppose to be maybe 50 out. Those poor kids. At least it won't be raining...crossing my fingers again!

I just got my last daff bulbs in the ground yesterday. I got: Ador and High Society. And every year my daughter and I plant snow crocus on the hill at our house. We buy one bag (about 30 bulbs) and plant them in the grassy hill. She's going to be 7 and we have been doing this for about 5 years. It looks so pretty in the spring! We walk around and find all our new arrivals. Nice time of year, when its still too cold to do any yard work but after a long winter you REALLY want to get outside.

Ellie, if your looking to wintersow there is a wintersowing swap that just started. I'm already signed up and it looks like fun. :)

Have a great day all!
vina

We have about a couple of weeks to sign up for the "Autumn Favorite's" swap. So if there is anyone that is still sitting on the fence wondering if they should join, just do it.

Received some emails regarding how many packages of seeds to send. Send as many as you want. There is no limit.

Ellie

Had a few chores yet to get done before winter comes. I needed to work compost around the blueberries, then I put weed cloth all along the plants and then topped it off with pine needles. I had bought 10 plants 2 years ago and they are slow growing although they did bloom and produce berries. I never had any because the birds got to them first. I think this spring when the berries come on I will put netting around it to see if I can keep the birds out.

I got that project done but nothing else. I don't have pine trees so had to go out in the woods are rake up some. Lots out there. Tomorrow I want to put something around all the shrubs that I bought this year for some added protection. I also need to clean out the chicken house.

What vegetable do you need a plumber for? A leek.

Have a good evening.

Ellie

Jodie

Welcome Jodie to the seed swap. You have plenty of time to get your seeds together.

So far I have received packages from: Alana, Vina & Shanta.
We still have about 2 weeks and if there is anyone else that would like to join, please post here.

I worked in the yard over the weekend putting pine needles around the blueberries. Now hopefully this coming weekend I can get all the shrubs covered with pine needles.

What did Santa Claus say when he walked through a garden?
Hoe! Hoe! Hoe!

Got a couple of things to do yet tonight so shall sign off.
Have a great evening everyone!

Ellie

We had our first frost Sunday night and a real hard one last night and everything is gone for the year. ;( I hate how the summer flies by and the winters seem to drag on forever. I need to go out and do one last seed harvest and then clear out the gardens for 2010.

The only fun thing about the end of a gardening year is the idea of planning, swapping,and buying new things for next year.

We haven't had any heavy frosts or snow lately since the temperature has gone back up into the low 50's again. But have we had the rain and it's suppose to rain all next week too. Just because I wanted to take some time off from work. Oh well, I guess I'm not that sweet that I will melt.

Speaking of snow...there's one good thing about snow, it makes your lawn look as nice as your neighbor's. There have been some years that I was so far behind in my fall work that I wanted snow to cover up everything. Good way to hide stuff, but then comes spring and what a mess. LOL

Well shall call it a night. Have a good one!

Ellie

Very heavy frosts each night now and we had a two hour delay of schools.

Ellie, I need you to send me your address again. I deleted the email that contained it. Whenever I get it, I will mail the package the next day.

The sun is shining so hope it warms up enough to get out and harvest the last of the coneflowers. I also have to dig up my dahlia bulbs.

Good day to everyone, smitties

Those of you that are still thinking whether or not to join, you have another couple of days and that will be plenty of time for me to receive them and get back out to you.

"The west way to garden is to put on a wide-brimmed straw hat and some old clothes. And with a hoe in one hand and a cold drink in the other, tell somebody else where to dig."

Happy Friday everyone!

Ellie

Joyce

Hope everyone is having a good weekend so far. The extra hour of sleep tonight will help, won't it? We had sunny skies but cold temperatures today. We have also had several hard frosts this past week so flowers are all gone now. It looks like we might be getting our Indian summer this week coming as there are several days with the temps in the 60's. I will probably harvest what is left out in the gardens and clear out debris.

Why is it I tell myself every year that I will not harvest much and end up with a big box filled with seed packages? I have such a hard time passing up a plant full of seeds.

Have a lovely Sunday. Margo

Thanks for the reminder Margo, I forgot to set my clocks back. I was so busy cleaning house yesterday I just forgot. Most spring clean, I holiday clean. Hopefully this spring I can get a lawn planted and there won't be so much dust. But I guess that is what country living is like. I forgot how it was on the farm. DUST all the time.

I have received the following packages so far:
Alana
Vina
Shirley
Shanta
Margo
Hopefully in another week or so I can start to sort the seeds.

I see it's raining out already. That will keep me focused on house cleaning. Although there is still plenty to do outside.

Spanish Proverb: More grows in the garden that the gardener sows.

Have a nice Sunday everyone.

Ellie

It'll be as fun as Christmas Day (for me) the day my envelope gets back to me! :D

Jodie

Oh is that north wind blowing tonight. Baby it is cold outside. Going to have to wear a heavier coat in the morning I am thinking. I hope this weekend will be a little warmer. I don't have any of the newly planted shrubs protected yet.

I have received the seeds from the following ladies now:
Alana
Vina
Shirley
Shanta
Margo
Debbie
Faye
Joyce

As soon as the rest comes, I will start sorting them for you. I will print out everyone's want list to see what each is looking for. Hopefully many wishes will be granted or close to it. I haven't checked yet to see what has come in.

"The mere fact that you get a lot of seeds in a packet doesn't mean you have to plant them all." Henry Mitchell

But we still like to plant as many as we can and then wonder where to plant them after the seeds germinate. Oh well!

Have a good evening everyone.

Ellie

Diene / onemainelady
Moonphase
Sue / carrlinesue
Vicci / Ohiovalleygardner
Laura / lilangell81
smcapri

When I receive the rest I shall start to sort.

How are everyone's Thanksgiving plans? Staying home or traveling? I shall be having Thanksgiving here on Friday.
The girls work on Thursday. Gives me one more day to prepare.

This weekend I am hoping to finish cleaning the house. Guess I better get going then.

Ellie

Received Laura's seeds today so hopefully by next week I can have them all back in the mail to everyone.

We had our first snow last night (about 2 inches) and is it cold out tonight. By the first of the week the high is suppose to be about 11 degrees. Oh, baby that is cold.

Guess I better start sorting seeds. Will let everyone know when I mail. Thanks!

Ellie

Good luck sorting.

Margo

Shirley

Margo

Ellie

Joyce

Received my package of seeds and was so excited with all of the happies I received. Thanks to everyone--when you give seeds to grow you give love, per me.

Sue

A HUGE THANK YOU TO ALL!!
Jodie