RickyÂs Swap and Grunt - October 22, 2006

Okay, hereÂs how this worksÂ

First send an e-mail to rickyg at fawnridge dot com (youÂll have to replace the Âat with Â@ and the Âdot with a dot and take out the spaces, duh.) Put the words Âinvite me in the subject line. That will get you past my spam filter. IÂll reply to your e-mail with the invitation. Print it and bring it with you to get through our security guard (we live in a gated, guarded, community.) On the invitation, youÂll find a link to the directions to get here. Type it into to your browser for a detailed map. Everyone is welcome and everyone will go home with plants, I guarantee it!

What you should bring (other than the plants you are swapping and the food weÂll be eating):

A fold-up canvas chair - weÂve got seating for around 15, so if you donÂt want to stand while you eat or sit on the ground and share your food with the insects, bring a chair or two.

Zip-loc bags for cuttings - but leave your clippers home!. I will be more than happy to snip for you.

If you need shade for your plants, feel free to bring a pop-up tent as weÂll be in the sun for the most part. And wear a hat!

What to look for in the gardenÂ

There are almost 1000 species of plants and trees in our ¼ acre. But donÂt just look at the focal points; consider the design elements - pathways, line of sight, textures, contrasts, etc. Okay, look at the plants. There are over 300 Crotons - almost 200 distinct varieties, 60 palms and another 25 trees. Three water features and pathways throughout the garden, even if you walk barefoot (I usually do.) A word of caution - the rock bridge over the main pond is not the safest way to get to the other side of the garden! The garden completely encircles the house, make sure you get to see all sides of it.

Schedule:

You can arrive, setup, and begin swapping or exploring any time after 10am on Sunday morning.

Lunch will be at noon and I will offer several guided tours after we eat. If you would like a cutting, please wait until you are ready to leave so they stay as fresh as possible, especially if you have long ride home.