Mid-Atlantic Gardening: Think Spring! Lunch & Seed Swap, Sat. February 21, 0 by critterologist

critterologist wrote:
Happy New Year!

Please mark your calenders for our midwinter "Think Spring!" seed swap. Last year's event at a local restaurant worked out so well that I think this year's plan will probably be quite similar.

When: Saturday, February 21

Where: Frederick, MD
Link to post with DIRECTIONS: http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/p.php?pid=6075625

What: Eating Lunch and Swapping Seeds

Who: DG subscribers and their guests (see list at bottom of post)

You may want to plan to come early so you can drop by Dutch Plant Farm. I wrote an article last year that has a lot of photos taken there, if you'd like an idea of what they are likely to have. http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/769/ I'll check with them closer to the event to see if the big truck will be back from Florida by then. :-)

Edited UPDATE on Dutch Plant Farm: The Florida Truck did not make it back in time for our swap, but their midwinter sale continues. And, we get a special 10% discount tomorrow (2/21)! Clearance plants (look for the polka dot tags and get 50% off) may not be reduced further (but ask). So, when you check out, be sure to mention that you are with the Dave's Garden group. :-)

At NOON we'll meet for lunch at Chef Lin, a local Chinese buffet that's one of my favorite Frederick restaurants. I'm hoping we'll have about 20 people, as we did last year, so we can use their back room, which gives us room to set up tables for name tags, door prizes, and seed swapping. The manager was very accommodating last year, and she's happy to hear we're planning to return. Chef Lin Buffet, 417-A South Jefferson St., Frederick. 301-620-0664.

At 2 pm, we'll do a little thing and give away some door prizes. If you have something you'd like to donate as a prize, please Dmail me. Purchased items for the table should be under $5.

We'll concentrate on seed swapping from 2 to 3:30 pm or so. Of course, seeds can be swapped outside of that time, and of course anybody who doesn't want to swap seeds can just keep chatting and visiting. I don't think we all left until at least 4 last time, so plan to make a day of it if you can.

We'll set up another thread for seed chat so people can pre-arrange trades if they want. It's not necessary to make any arrangements ahead of time, but it can be useful to see what people have and what everybody's looking for.

Please figure $11 per person for lunch, including tax and a generous tip. With the other seafood on the buffet (sushi, steamed shrimp & mussels, clams/oysters on the half shell, fried fish/shrimp/scallops, and various hot dishes), I've never felt the need for the snow crab, but it's an available option for several dollars more. The buffet has everything from soups and stir-fries to fried chicken and mozzarella sticks... there's salad, fruit, and an array of desserts, including soft-serve ice cream and hot little fried doughnuts. The selection is remarkable, and even if you don't like Chinese food you'll find plenty of possibilities.

We will all be on one tab. Please bring $11 cash and give it to Betty (bseward) when you arrive. Thanks!

Swapping of plants (with potting soil or dirt) that we can't bring inside can be done in the parking lot... the best time seems to be between 1:30 and 2. I know it's not an ideal arrangement, but bear in mind this was meant to be a seed swap. :-)

I know some folks might be on tight budgets. If the cost of the meal might keep you from coming, please Dmail me, and we'll get you covered. I don't want anybody to miss out.

Please post on this thread if you're interested in coming. I'm not trying to get a definite head count ahead this far ahead, but if I'd like to get a general idea if possible of whether or not this date will work for people.

I had a blast at our seed swap last year, and I'm already excited about this year's gathering!

THINK SPRING!

:-)


list of people who think they'll be able to come
aspenthomas
avmoran
Bec_no_va & Marianne
Bluekat76 & Rick
bseward & Bertie
Buttoneer
Chantell
Critter plus 4 (Theresa, Angela, their parents Irene & Al -- gardeners, all!)
Foxnfirefly
Froggy3125
Gitagal
happy_macomb -- maybe
HollyAnnS & Ric
KC2050 ? maybe
Kubileya
Miatablu
SallyG



This message was edited Feb 21, 2009 9:15 AM