Hello All,

This is the new post to firm up all the details for the Swap.

Everyone is welcome, with or without any plants, seedlings, divisions to bring.

Don't be shy because you are new to gardening. I promise there will be plenty of seedlings and divisions just for the taking.

I will have plenty of wintersown seedlings and some divisions that will be just for the taking and I'm sure that others will as well.

All of these plants, divisions and seedlings need a home, so please come and enjoy the experience and take home new "babies" for your gardens.

This is a very informal swap. Those that want to post what they may or are bringing are more than welcome to.

And, don't be afraid to list your wants as well or say that you would like particular plants, seedlings that are being brought.

Those that want to ask if there is interest in any plants before they dig them up and divide them are more that welcome to do so. Better to ask if anyone is interested in them or wants them before spending the time digging them up. potting them and bringing them to the swap and then having to bring them home again.

Also, Michelle aka GW ontheteam, aka crazy plant lady, will be attending the swap but won' be able to arrive much before noon.

She is the GW member that holds the Plant sale in Avon to benefit Children's Hospital in Boston.

She puts an enormous time into this plant sale every year.

She will be more than happy to take home any and all of the left over perennials or any perennials that anyone would like to donate to her for next year's sale.

She will winter over the perennials, pot them up and sell them at the Plant sale next year.

Also if you have any pots, plastic one that any purchased plants come in, that you no longer need, or any decorative type pots that you no longer need or use, she will be more than happy to take those as well.

I can't think of a more worthy cause that to support Michelle in her plant sale that supports Children's Hospital.

As parents or even friends of parents, one never knows if/when they will ever be in need of the services and care offered at Children's Hospital. None of us expect it, or think we will ever need it or know anyone that will.

Take if from this mother of 2, now grown adult children in their late 20's and early 30's; It was always a comfort to know that Children's was there and I worked there myself for many years, but I never thought I would need it for my children. But sure enough, hubby and I where there, first with our oldest, then our youngest and I can't imagine what our lives, what our kid's lives would have been or be like today, without the help from Children's hospital.

So Michelle will be here and more than happy to take any donations to such a worthy cause.

Oh, yes, if you have any gardening books, magazines, pots you don't want, left over seeds, garden supplies of any kind that you want to bring to give away, don't be afraid to bring them. I'm sure someone will want them.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO BRING SMETHING TO TAKE YOUR PLANTS AND SEEDLINGS HOME IN; BOXES, BOX COVERS TRAYS. I DON'T HAVE ANY THAT I CAN GIVE AWAY AT THE SWAP. I NEED ALL OF MINE.

DATE: Saturday June 2, 2012

TIME: 10AM until everyone wants to leave

LOCATION: Billerica MA. I will e-mail address and directions the week of the swap to all who are planning to attend. Please e-mail me for directions and be sure to tell me where you are coming from and include your GW name in the message

The only thing I can't promise is good weather. I hope we will not have to worry about rain, but, as I said above, I do have a carport we can be under if we have to deal with a bit of mist or a chance of showers.

So let's keep our fingers crossed that we don't have to deal will heavy rain.

On the other hand, last year we did manage quite well with steady rain, a couple of heavy downpours as well. The plants where quite happy being watered, we just put up our hoods, our umbrellas and where under that carport enjoying ourselves, the goodies and the wonderful company.

Besides seedlings and some divisions and small plants I have the following to use.

1. Huge table to put various non plant items on

2. several coolers to keep ice and cold drinks in

3. Plastic knives, forks, spoons

4. at least 6-8 chairs, but anyone that wants to bring some folding chairs is welcome to do so.

5. name tags, I should have enough, but will holler out if I find we need more

6. a huge table cover for the table I have

7. a carport to sit under and keep the sun off of us

8. a huge yard and plenty of space to move and put out the plants and seedlings.

9. plenty of parking for everyone.

10. I will provide coffee and the fixins and cups for the coffee

Which now brings me to the volunteer part of the swap. Especially for those that feel "strange" coming because they don't have anything to bring.

So that we can really have a good time and enjoy the swap, anyone that can bring the following items, it will be much appreciated by all of us.

1. ice, to keep drinks cold

2. napkins

3. plates

4. any kind of "goodies" that you would like to bring. cookies, pastry, fruit, etc. Denise is bringing a coffee cake

5. cold drinks

6. plant tags in case someone forgot to label their plants

7. hot/cold cups

8. sharpie pen to label plants that may need to be labeled.

If I missed something on the list or you have a question just holler.

EVERYONE, PLEASE REMEMBER TO EMAIL ME FOR DIRECTIONS,where you are coming from AND PLEASE INCLUDE YOUR GW NAME IN THE MESSAGE SO I WILL KNOW WHO YOU ARE. YOU CAN EMAIL ME THROUGH MY MEMBER PAGE ON GW.

I will post a list of the plants, seedlings and plant related items I have later today or tonight.

Fran

15 Birmingham Garden and Landscape Supplies