Given the problems of last spring, the solution I've come up with this year has been to save paper bags from the grocery store. Pre-arranged swap plants will go in the bags and be stapled. Lots of space to magic marker names on the side. And it makes a convenient carrier, even where I put the plant in a plastic bag rather than potting it up.

I figure what isn't visible is not likely to be coveted. Then I won't need to whine or worse be mad at myself when I realize that I am missing a plant that I promised to bring some one. (That's the part that bugged me so much.) Of course, this also means I will have to be organized for the swapÂwon't that be a change?

If newbies and every one else has a little respect, we should all get along just fine.

More importantly, I just got this weird feeling that I have to make a grocery store run tonight to buy apples, cream cheese and graham cracker crumbs. Don't know why.

Just remember our most sacred rule: After lunch, if you pick up a plant, you have to take it. If you ask about it, you have to take two. And if you leave your car unlocked, some one just might put some sedum autumn joy in it while you aren't looking.

I can't wait to see everyone on Satuday.

While I've had some plants earmarked for me go missing, haven't had that happen with plants I've brought for other people. Yet. All plants going to other people (or coming to me) are kept inside the car, with the doors closed. Anything outside the car is fair game. I also try to individually label the plants with the plant name on one side and the recipient name on the other side.

Information regarding the swap (when, where, how to get there) is at the top of the Haves, Wants and Food threads.

Do label your plants. While you may know what it is, other people more than likely don't, or will mix them up along the way somewhere.

If you have catalogs that list your plants, bring them. People have a much easier time picturing what they want to do with plants if they can see what they look like.

Line the seats/trunks of your vehicle with something that cleans up easily. There will be spillage of mud/soil/water.

Bring newspaper in addition to plastic bags. Wet newspaper helps keep the roots of all bare root plants happy until you get them home.

If you have pre-arranged swaps with a lot of people (in my case, more than 2 is where I draw the line), figure out a way to keep tabs of what you're giving, and what you're receiving. I use a spreadsheet, and cross off when I've completed the trades. Much less likelihood of hurt feelings or mix-ups that way.

Do not ask plant questions of non-gardening spouses. It tends to make them cranky, and more likely to run and hide or otherwise not want to help out with the toting of plants.

The Spring swaps tend to have a huge turnout, so keep close tabs on your kids/pets.

Don't forget to have fun and make some new friends, and for God's sake, don't take other people's stuff.

Suja

Labels.

for yourself
for your spouse
for your plants
for your trades
for your car (so people can drop plants off, even if you're not there)

for plants you are happy to see disappear
for plants you intend to keep

cardboard boxes are handy for packing up your loot

a gallon jug to tote water can be handy

If you have an unusual plant to offer, a color photo of it with some cultural info can be a great sales tool - especially for newbies.

Saturday is the day to clean the garage/basement. Any non-plant garden related items will likely find new homes at the swap.

A few more things I forgot, and I may be the only person who needs this.

Do water your plants the night before the swap.

Do NOT water your plants right before you put them in your vehicle unless you want a big mess

Water the plants well *before* you put them in cardboard boxes or paper bags; cardboard boxes and paper bags do not appreciate water nearly as much as your plants

Never leave boxed up plants outside the night before. Even if the weathermen are not calling for it, it will rain, right over your box, and you'll have a big mess on your hands.

Or snow and frost.
That watering thing is good advice, Suja. I gave up on my truck seats.

Can't wait! :)
C.

Christine,
I would love some of your Monarda! I am a newbie, so am bringing mainly some white lilac suckers potted up (one quite large). And food and magazines.
deepti

Christine,
I would love some of your Monarda! I am a newbie, so am bringing mainly some white lilac suckers potted up (one quite large). And food and magazines.
deepti

Best witchy voice: Poppppies, popppppies.....
I'd love some and have TONS of plastic paper bags; the benefits of getting two daily newspapers.

Appropriate threads, deepti.
We can certainly trade and I'd love some white lilac.
Thank you for offering.

Good of you to prompt this thought:

We need to post haves and wants on the appropriate board, and under that, the appropriate thread. There is a reason we do it all in one place:

So we don't lose our minds trying to find that last message from xxx, where we promised to bring xxx for xxx, but can't remember his/her member Id and that person doesn't offer even their first name....[scream]

anyway,,,
Cool.
C.

"Beautiful soft, lacey plume poppy" my butt! You neglected to say that this is one of the biggest thugs around. Yes, it's a pretty cool plant but be ready to do battle.

Larry

Hmmm...

Thug.
I guess that's a good synonym for "reseeds all over the place" or "aggressive reseeder" isn't it?

No wonder I still have a lot of it. I'm thinking of putting it in between my ditch lilies so when their foliage fades, the "beautiful, soft, lacey plum poppy" will be able to do its happy, aggressive, thug thing.

[LOL]
C.

I just made the ?mistake? of printing the haves and wants threads, so if you're looking for something, I'll have it with me... =)

Back out to the digging...my hostas can almost breathe now that I have most of their extra siblings out and in pots!!

see y'all tomorrow AM!

Lynne