HEY EVERYONE! Here are all the details about our big day on Saturday. Please pay close attention to the new swapping rules and round robin info. These rules are put forth in the spirit of enhancing our swap experience and ensuring fun for all. Any questions are most welcome. A special note to those who have emailed me about volunteering - Thank you!! You will be hearing from me soon with your assignment.

Middle Tennessee Plant Swap

Buffalo Canoeing Campground

October 21st, 2006

What is the Middle Tennessee Plant Swap?

The MTPS is a friendly gathering of people who love to garden and love to share their garden-related items and knowledge. Many such swaps have grown out of Gardenweb, bringing people together that range from newbie plant lovers all the way up to Master Gardeners. The MTPS is a day chock full of fun, including a traders swap, non-traderÂs round robin giveaway, potluck lunch and guest lecture.

What are the requirements for coming? Do I have to be a member of Gardenweb?

There are no requirements other than having a love for plants! If you have never been to our swap and have no items to trade, come, learn and participate in our round robin plant giveaway.

What should I bring?

Items to trade:

o Plants, seeds, cuttings, bulbs, corms, rhizomes

o Garden-related items: books, crafts, tools, preserves, etc.

!! Note: Please label all items with your name and Gardenweb username if you have one.

Label plants with their common name and botanical name if you know it.

Items to organize your trading

o Boxes to organize and carry your trades home

o If possible, a folding table to display your items

o Ziploc bags and paper towels to keep cuttings fresh

Items for your comfort

o Lawn chair

o Beverages

o Bug spray

o paper and pen for notetaking

o children are allowed if supervised

o spouses are allowed if supervised :)

Items to contribute to the swap:

o a small monetary donation to help cover cost to paper plates, napkins, etc.

o Free plants or garden items for the round robin

o A food item for the potluck dinner

!!Note: the boathouse has space and electric outlets to accommodate several crockpots.However, there is very little refrigerator space available.

Bring cold items in coolers and otherwise plan accordingly.

What should I not bring? Alcoholic beverages and pets are absolutely not allowed

What will happen at the swap?

o 8:00 to 9:15: Registration and setup

o 9:15 to 10:00: Social hour

Get to know each other and scope out plants - NO trading allowed, Strictly enforced!!

o 10:00 to 11:30: Plant swap

---->10:00 to 10:45: Non-traders are asked to sit out to allow for efficient trading

---->10:45 to 11:30: Non-traders may browse and chat, but should not solicit for free plants

o 11:30 to 12:00 Round Robin Giveaway

Plants donated as freebies or leftover from trading are given away to non-traders

o 12:00 to 1:00 Potluck Dinner

o 1:00 to 2:00: Guest Lecture: Renee Dawson, Biocontrol of plant pests and disease

Rules for trading:

o At registration, each trader is assigned a trading number and given the following:

- a number sign to display at your trading area - Please return to registration table after swap

- a number sign for you to wear

- three numbered trading flags

o Remember, items should be clearly labeled with your name and plant names.

o Do not start trading until Jan announces the start of Swapping

o New Swapping Rules:

- If you see a plant you want and the plant's owner is free, ask the owner to bring the plant to your table to swap. Complete the swap and take joy in your new plant!

- If you see a plant you want and the plant's owner is not free, put one of your flags in the plant.

DO NOT TAKE THE PLANT FROM THE OWNER'S TABLE

Others may also request the same plant by putting their flag in it.

When the plantÂs owner returns to the table, he/she should take the requested plant around to the numbered table, talk to the traders and swap for the plant they like. Return flags to their owners.

- During the swap, be sure to alternate browsing for plants and attending to your own trading area.

- Place traded plants in a box under your table or in a covered box off to your side.

- Be fair in trading, swapping plants one for one or multiple plants for one according to agreed values.

- Prearranged trades must be handled discreetly during setup or after trading has started

!!Note: If you want something that another person has to trade, and they are not interested in what you're offering in exchange, they are not under any obligation to trade with you. Some things are more valuable and more highly sought after than others and that's just the way it is.

Rules for the Round-Robin Giveaway:

o At registration, non-traders will sign up for the round-robin giveaway and traders who brought freebies will be shown where to donate plants for the round robin

o After the swap, additional free plants that are leftover from trading may be donated to the round robin

o The participants names will be drawn randomly from a hat to determine order of play

o Play: First round: Each person takes one plant

Second round: Each person takes one plant

Third round: Each person takes two plants

Fourth round Each person takes three plants

And so on, Â

Other important Rules:

o Please and thank you are the kindest words you can use.

o Selling of items is not allowed

o DO NOT TOUCH items traders have set aside in covered boxes or under their tables!!!!

o Repeat swap attendees, unless physically impaired, are expected to volunteer for the work crew