All I remember about the 50's were cotton fields. Sorry.
Norm

Everyone had a mimosa tree.

Here is a link that might be useful: Mimosa

Norm: Now THAT would be an attention getter!

mnature: I love mimosas. A lot of people consider them a weed. And they will spread if you let them.

Kelton: We went with larels. They'll need periodic trimming, but not as bad as some things. Almost everything will need some occasional pruning.

I've never been to a "plant swap". One question:
Do people sell/swap any *trees* or is it mainly perenials and such.

Kelton

Although there are tons and tons of plants at the swaps, you won't see too many trees. I will probably bring a few unsexed baby Ginkgos (you definitely don't want those, at least if you are possibly going to be there for years) and a few small Heavenly Bamboo Nandinas (more of a shrub, but they were pretty popular back in the 50's). There is some possibility I will bring some baby oaks, pecans, and hickories but that's still very tentative.