Hi Abi,

I was just going to post the same thing. We can go back to the park we used to go to. I don't mind going to your house but we may need a large area. (Hoping we get our usual big turnout) We also have to pick a date. Sometime at the end of April or begining of June would work for me.

I'd love to see everyone again. I missed it last fall too.

Hedy

Hi Abi,

I've been hanging out on the Kitchen Forum, just checking in on this one from time to time... I too was about to post something, watching the Boston area one growing! (I think it's time to switch from Kitchens to Gardens! ;)

I missed the Fall Swap too! You're wonderful to offer your home -- we'll definitely come (depending on date) and we'd be happy to help out however we can. I'm also happy to offer my home again as well, but we're way up in Woodbury, just like Young's, and there weren't many takers for a swap at my house last fall, so maybe it's time to head in the Fairfield direction this time around. I have to confess we only learned of these two years ago and have only attended them at Young's -- so we don't know any other kind of swap! We have a lot of room (6.5 acres) if that helps, but I'd happy to drive to Fairfield as well.

I have a HUMONGOUS list of things I'm looking for... and just cleared the beds out this morning so hopefully in a few weeks I'll know what I HAVE as well... lots of little shoots blessedly showing their faces... I am SO ready! ;)

THANK YOU for getting us started ... hopefully others will chime in!

/ Marty

I'm in, wherever it is, depending on date! Thanks for offering your homes. I would offer, but my postage stamp sized lot would definitely not accommodate us all. If I can do anything to help, please let me know.

And of April or beginning of June would work for me as well. End of April might be a better time to plant, although if this cold weather keeps up, maybe not!

I moved so many things last year at the last minute, I really can't remember what is where right now. Should have made a diagram. But by April I should have a pretty good idea of what I have to offer. I do know I have a Mohawk Viburnum that just is not prospering, which could use a little tlc and a better location that I can offer it.

Count me in at any date from April till June (except one weekend in May which is still in process of being determined).
If swap indeed will happen I already have a few interesting things to share and will not offer them to 'strangers'.

Regards,
George (who is coming out of the hybernation mode)
P.S. Will start pruning in a week or so and could root various named spireas, caryopterises and probably some hydrangeas if anyone is interested.

George... welcome out of hibernation!! You don't happen to have a caryopteris "Pink Chablis" do you? I ordered one from the Northwest Conservation District sale last year but when I got there to collect my order, they hadn't been able to find them and were substituting "Blue Mist"-- I'd still like to have the Pink Chablis and it's not on their list for this year at all...

/ Marty

Marty, no, I don't have that particular cultivar.
Here is what could be rooted:
-Longwood Blue,
-Dark Knight,
-Worcester Gold,
-Jason,
-Grand Bleu (possibly)

WHOO HOO ! This is looking promising! That park in Monroe would be ideal and if we meet in April or before Memorial Day we probably wouldn't need to hassle with reservations. I do have an acre of land but the parking leaves a lot to be desired. I know I have Stella D'oro day lilies to bring and probably lots of other things but it is too cold to go looking. Any date is usually pretty good for me. /Abi

YAY for the swap! FYI the NWConservation District earth day sale is the last weekend in April (25-27) so that is probably not a good weekend -- too much driving, not enough gardening. I'm new here, but eager to meet everyone in person rather than just online. It does not feel like spring : ( (yet)
lucia

Okay, great. Let me check the calendar. Miss all of you, seems a bit quiet...

Virginia

Did I say something wrong? I'm getting a complex...

Hi Virginia! You didn't say anything wrong. I think we're all just waiting for someone to suggest dates. I'll start! How about either April 27 or May 3? April 27 would be the second day of the NW Conservation District plant sale, but I doubt we're going to find a weekend with no conflicts, and most people seemed to indicate end of April worked for them. Earlier than the end of April seems a bit early to me - - weather could be iffy.

I'd rather not do May 4 because we have a family event planned, but if that works for everyone else then I will go with the flow.

I was out for a few hours today doing Spring cleanup and it was glorious! Lots of things are poking their heads up: lady's mantle is really going strong, salvia is kicking in and the peonies I moved last year are all showing their shoots (phew!).

One question: if we're no longer going to Young's, is it important to stay with a Sunday? What about Saturday, May 3? Otherwise, I would probably prefer May 4 to April 27, only because it still seems so cold and raw up here in northwest Connecticut! ... my things are JUST poking out of the ground (and not all of them at that!) plus we're going to the NW Conservation Sale, too, but could go the day before easily enough...) May 11 is Mother's Day, so that's no good. I'm pretty much open but have no clue where this park is...?

/ Marty

Saturday is kids sports day. This year I'm dealing with softball as well as soccer.

Do we want to plan a potluck lunch as well as the swap? My recollections of the last time we were at a park was that a lot of people zoomed in and out. One of the big advantages of Young's was that people stuck around. Of course that becomes more weather dependent.

Hi all,
I am for as late as possible. That would allow for most of my plants to poke up and I would have more to bring. But again, if we go past Memorial day, we have the hassle of park reservations. Saturday is kids sports day but all day? What if we aimed for later in the day? Say 3 or 4. But, I only have cats and they don't play sports so I will show up whenever. I think we should have a pot luck, at least snacks. Whatever the time or day it will be a pleasure to visit with everyone again. /Abi

Hi Everybody!

'Wild' Bill and I saw Deb (Cloud9) at the CT Flower Show (where we manned the New England Carnivorous Plant Society booth). We were looking forward to the 2008 spring swap planning with great anticipation!

And here we are!

BTW, *Abi* - Bill won a BLUE RIBBON for an unusual flowering plant you gave him (something like Plaintain Lily or August Lily). It was that houseplant that a co-worker gave you. You were right! It has a good home with Bill.

I sure hope we can join you all in the swap. We've been at our house for 2 years now. Thanks to everyone's generosity we have beautiful flowers gracing our gardens from early spring to late fall.

Once we get closer to the date we'll post some of our offerings, including yummy food.

Best regards,
Dena

LOL - wasn't it so much easier when Ron just told us what worked for him and Young's? Ron used to do it early in May before Young's was too crowded with plants, but when it was at Wolfe it was at the end of May. I prefer more towards the end of May. April is way too early IMO. Any seconds for a suggestion of the 17/18 or 24/25 of May? Saturday or Sunday is fine with me - those with conflicts will have to arm wrestle.

The one time it rained at Wolfe Park we just moved it under the pavilion at the Lake, which was empty, because... well it was raining! If it is sunny, I think that lower parking area with the wide grassy hell strip worked out well because you could just back your car up and unload. There are various picnic spots in the immediate vicinity that we could gravitate to eat also.

Come on Spring! March came in like a lion and went out like a lion!

Depending on the day, I'm in. I'd prefer Saturday, but if it must be a Sunday, so be it. I'd prefer later- as in May, or even early June rather than earlier. I'd also prefer to start later in the day, say any time from noon on to 3:00 or so. I would offer my own yard, but then it would have to be a Saturday and I think I'm too far afield for most of you. Besides, I'd have way too much yard clean-up to do! :)

So the consensus seems to be the end of May/June. Is it a big hassle to get park reservations? I would volunteer to make the reservations, but do I need to live in the town?

I will be away May 16-18, but if that works for everyone else, go for it. May 23/24 is Memorial Day weekend, so that probably would be really crowded at the park, and lots of people might have plans. How about May 31/June 1? I have no Saturday/Sunday preference, so I'll leave that, and the time, for others to suggest!

You do have to be a resident to make park reservations after Memorial Day. LMK. But, as I remember it was sometimes a pain because they wouldn't let us use the picnic area if there was a sports game going on. We went to the lake area where they didn't seem to check. It's still probably easier to make it before Labor Day.

We could bring food which seems to make us stay a little longer but it's not going to be as elaborate as a cookout.

Can't wait to see everyone as well as see what's poking out of the ground.

Hedy

My understanding about the park, and somebody probably should double check this, is that after Memorial Day weekend, there is an entrance fee. There is also a reservation fee for the pavilion. The previous consensus was that we should try fairly hard to avoid both of those things. A pavilion fee in particular sounds very problematic.

Here's the scoop with Wolfe Park:

There are two different parts. The upper area is Wolfe Park proper. There is no entrance fee, but after Memorial Day the parking is restricted to residents in the main parking lot. Non-residents can use the supplemental lot, which is the next driveway down. All free parking. The pavilions here require reservations and fees, but this is not where we have gone in the past that I know of unless it was before my time.

The lower/lake area is called Great Hollow Lake. Parking there is restricted after Memorial Day. The pavilion there is by the concession stand at the lake. I don't think you can reserve it, but not sure. We used it on a cold rainy day when the park was essentially empty. The other swap that I attended there was in the far end of the parking lot where you could back up and unload your plants on the wide grassy swath. It seemed to work well. That was before food and at that time we decided that we wanted to hang out and visit/eat from there on out. I will go and check out the exact placement of picnic tables in the vicinity in the next few days. I think cold dishes will do fine. We had a big sandwich instead of grilled food at the last swap.

I hadn't realized that the 24/25 was Memorial Day weekend. The 31st is a Saturday this year, so it is early. So how about we pick the 17/18 and people can chime in on their availability. The most votes gets it? I hate to have hurt feelings. You could chime in on morning or afternoon also. I prefer swapping in the morning and eating afterward, but wouldn't care if it were the other way around.

You have Osbornedale Park in Derby too. No fees and open to everyone. It's a state park. Richie

Here is a link that might be useful: Osbornedale Park

May 17 or 18 sounds great and will have the advantage -- let's hope! -- of being a bit warmer, good not only for participants' comfort but for plant availability. I have a lot of first year plants that I hope will come back nice and strong (and dividable) but one never knows until they do.... I don't see a hint of some of them yet!

I also prefer swapping first, eating later, but since I know some people have a ways to drive, perhaps we should start at 11 or so and figure on eating around 1-ish? I thought the big grinder from the last swap worked really well, with salads/desserts/beverages filling things out, but have no clue what it cost since Ron bought it. I thought LaBonne's here in Woodbury (who did that one) did a beautiful job ... I can check on the price. Or else everyone can just bring yummy cold salads, dips, desserts, etc.

An alternative, if people need afternoons free for sports or whatever, might be a morning swap with breakfast-type things (coffee cakes, doughnuts, coffee), starting earlier but over by noon or so? Just another thought, if it helps with scheduling.

We're good with whatever folks want to do and happy to bring whatever is needed.

Ooh, Osbornedale Park might be a good alternative, so we don't have to bother with fees and reservations and parking restrictions. It's in relatively the same area as Wolfe Park, and may be more easily accessible from highways, parkways, Rt. 34, etc, at least for those coming from the north and east.

I'm going to abstain from voting on a date. My daughter is graduating high school this year, and between prom and graduation, not to mention our slew of May birthdays, my weekends may be quite full. So you guys pick a date and I'll try to show up!

Just thinking.... should we make a new thread without the word "Fairfield" in it? Does that sound too restrictive? Or will everyone know it's open to all?

:)
Dee

Dee - Let's make a new thread after we decide when and where. That way the pertinent info will be right at the top.

Back to logistics: I went to Wolfe and past the parking lot area found a big picnic grove that is fairly private. There are about a dozen tables that you can park right next to for easy loading and unloading. Perfect for both swapping and eating.

Osborndale sounds good also. Richie, can you tell us more about it? It sounds as if the pavilions are for a fee after Memorial Day. It is probably on a first-come first-served basis before that. How close can you park near them?

You know, there is the Kellog House which is part of Osborndale, and I think there may be gardens there, possibly rose gardens. I wonder if we can get a tour while we're there - that is, IF we go there.

I'm going to go do some exploring on their site.

Deb, here's a park map from Richie's link.

:)
Dee

Here is a link that might be useful: map from Richie's link

Well, I'm confused. I thought it was the Kellogg House, but all the sites are listed as the Osborne Homestead. I go to the Osborne Homestead site, and it calls it the Kellogg Estate! Sheesh.

Well, whatever you want to call it, see below!

:)
Dee

Here is a link that might be useful: Kellogg House gardens

Have fun, I wish I could make it! If anyone wants to try to nurse a smallish (2 foot), ailing Mohawk Viburnum back to health, let me know and you can stop by and dig it up. I got it at Broken Arrow a couple of years ago and it just never did well.

I like Sunday the 18th. Saturdays are always busy with soccer games and birthday parties. Swap first - eat later. Like Marty suggested arrive at 11, eat around 1.

By the way, have any of you noticed there is now spell checking in the message box? You get a red underline when you spell whackey wurds. How funny.

Virginia

Sunday May 18 works for us! Which park are we going for?

/ Marty

I'm not sure when the tulips come up but at the Osborne/Kellogg Homestead near Osbornedale Park in Derby, it gets absolutely beautiful. I wonder if they would let us have the swap near the house or the big barn in the back. Richie

I just looked on the site for the Kellogg house and they want a $50 donation just to have your wedding photos take there but you can walk around the gardens. Thy are closed however on sundays. Too bad. But Osbornedale Park is open all the time.

Hi All-

I would love to come too. I am a newbie recuperating from an emergency gallbladder removal 1/29/08 and then a total knee replacement on 2/28/08 so needless to say I need to get out and smell the roses. I have read so many of your wonderful posts that I would consider it an honor to meet all of you. I live in Newtown so the area you plan to have it near is very close to my own little piece of God's country. I don't have anything to swap but I can bring whatever else you may require like refreshments, etc. I can't believe it but today I saw the little red heads of my astilbes and peonies. The problem I have w/astilbes is that the plumes dry out too fast for me. Am I doing something wrong? Maybe they need more water. Looks like the squirrels did a job on my favorite flower the daffodil. Darn them but so far the deer haven't bothered my wild daylilys. Probably now that I wrote that they will visit me tonight for dessert!!!

Please keep me in mind for the swap.

Thanks,
suebot in CT
suebot2@sbcglobal.net

Welcome, Suebot! Hope you can come -- we all look forward to meeting you. (Quite a year you're having...whew!) You'll find this a warm and welcoming group -- we have!

As for the astilbes, wish I had an answer for you. Mine have disappointed pretty consistently -- I've never had anything like the plumes in the photos/catalogs. I think they are in the conditions they claim to need, so I'm not sure what the secret is ... anyone know?

Looking forward to meeting you...! / Marty

My blackout dates for May already determined.
I'll be out of comission from May 16 till May 21 and if all agree on May 18 I'll ask either Virginia or Dee or Deb (don't worry ladies, I'll deliver to you ) to take to the swap at least some of the pots I already start making.

George you will be missed. Do you mind if I email you seperately about hydrangea? Love em, know absolutely nothing about them.

Welcome SueBot, I think you'll like our swap. There are a lot of knowledgable gardners here. (not me) I am so happy this swap is coming together. /Abi

Abi, I'm at your disposal. :-))

Hi all,

So glad to hear we're organizing again! Late May sounds great to me...

Amy

Greetings from Martie! Haven't been here for a bit, but was really hopeful that there'd be a swop since I Have Things to Give!!!!

Now I guess I should read back and find out when/where this is :-)

Any plant lists started, yet?

Martie (and Rich waving "hi")

Thank you for the warm welcome. I was hobbling around my yard today and my columbines are looking very healthy. Also last summer I planted some Cherry Bell campanulas and I think they might be leafing up. I saw them in front of some rosebushes at this couples garden in Trumbull, CT and just thought they were very cool. Can't believe I found something the deer don't have a taste for. They have even skipped over my wild daylilys SO FAR this year. Maybe they have found a yard they like better. I am looking forward to meeting local fellow gardners. Have we got a date and location yet?

Thanks again,
suebot in CT

I don't know, it sounds like later in May is a problem for a lot of people, not to mention the parks. What about the weekend of May 10/11th or even the 3rd/4th? Then, if it's rainy, no fee issue with a pavilion, and either way we should have park space, whichever park we end up at.

Just as an aside, the closer we can park to where we gather, the easier it is on all of us, I think, since we won't have to carry the plants as far, which can really add up when we make multiple trips with heavy containers. (I admit it, I'm a wimp about it- but in my defense I have two discs out in my neck.)

BTW- I have about 10-2 year old regular sage plants, if anyone is looking for some. I tried planting them with my tomatoes but it didn't work out- the sage is overtaking the beds and has got to come out.

I'll talk to Kathy and see if she can join us, too.

The 11th is Mother's Day (okay by me but perhaps not for lots of folks?) and the 10th would be great for us, but is a Saturday (and people seemed to prefer Sundays, right?) May 3/4 is good for us, too -- and I do worry a bit that the later we get, the harder to successfully divide and replant things. I know some of mine like the bleeding hearts will be a good size by late May and I'll be reluctant to dig them and divide them at that point.

So I vote for the May 3-4 weekend, but I'm really open. Anything works for us. I'd hate to do it when people like Paige and George can't make it (not sure we can HAVE a real swap without George, can we??? ;)

/ Marty

May is a terribly busy month for me. We have numerous family birthdays at the beginning of the month. Mother's Day weekend is the Easton Garden Club's annual Garden Mart plant sale. (I will probably post a separate thread on that.) The whole club works really hard that week getting ready for the Saturday sale. By Sunday, Mother's Day, I can barely move.

So that said, the weekend of the 10th/11th is out for me.

Virginia

Dena and I wouldn't be able to make it May 10th. That's the monthly New England Carnivorous Plant Society meeting which will be a special meeting at the NY Botanical Gardens.

The 3rd/4th of May is open for us, or the last weekend in April.

Bill

Hi All, I thought there was general consensus that we would meet May 18th at either Osbornedale State Park or Wolfe Park , Monroe? All in favor of the 18th say Aye! Does any one want Stella D'Oro daylilies? May also be mixed with some ditch lilies. I may also have some autumn joy sedum. As usual I am looking for hostas and ferns and cone flowers.
I am bringing sausage and veggie breads, same as last year. See ya soon. /AE

The 18th should be fine with me. I can bring coneflowers. Any interest in rudbeckia? They both reseed a fair amount for me.

HI everyone,
I won't be around the last 2 weeks in May from the 16th or 17th on. Going to drive down the east coast for 2 weeks to places we have never been. Have a good swap, Richie

The 3/4 of May seem to be the only dates SO FAR that no one has said that they can't make. I would rather have an earlier date than leave out people unnecessarily. Of the two, I prefer Sunday.

If we decide to do May 3/4 we better do it soon so there's enough time to pot things up. We should also change the post to CT swap so other Ct people may check it out.Which reminds me, we haven't heard from Sue (VTskier).

Hedy

I just wanted to post the link to the new thread in case anyone missed it.

Here is a link that might be useful: CT Spring Swap (Everyone Welcome!)