LOL Greenthumb, You are so right didn't get near enough time to talk to everyone and I am sure as I start planting I will be posting pictures and asking what is this and who gave it to me. LOL I always think I will remember.
Coleup, I was out looking at the wonderful banana you gave me. Trying to decide where I want to put it. It looks very nice in that spot beside the pond but I was thinking it would be very nice near those big pots I got from Critter for another water garden area and a new small water feature bowl and bamboo fountain.
After the Swap
Green thumb, you said it perfectly. Brain drain. I now have a new reason for the memory lapses. It is infuriating!!
I am kinda sore today after clearing new areas for my new goodies. I need to think ahead. Ha! Like that is going to happen. I think it is related to brain drain, don't you?
Aha! Coleus, thanks for the directions above on the Black Stem Taro... I think that's what you gave me, too, and I'll put it into a pot in one of the water lily containers (should the crown be above the water level?).
I do bring my banana plants inside for the winter (in a corner of the dining room -- DH just loves that, LOL)... but isn't Musa basjoo hardy? Or is it just root-hardy in our zone, so that you'd need to give it winter shelter if you wanted it to stay big/tall?
Holly, your hardy water lily is in one of those big pots with that little floater from LadyG and a piece of JR's plant (whose name I can't recall at all; the one he collected from the river)... I put pieces of those two plants into another pot, also, which I figure should double my chance of success with them LOL.
Harry is trying to figure out how to connect the several video clips he took at the swap. He got a new program that supposedly can do it. It may take awhile so stay tuned. They came out okay, not the greatest picture quality, but it is the memories that count. He got a good one of Gita hacking at the bamboo with Sally tossing one down on the ground like she was going to go pole vaulting!! That bamboo was neat. Never saw it cut down like that before.
"Curiosity killed the cat!" What happens at end of day when everybody starts packing to go home and they have plants not claimed? Do you have a mad scramble or play "52 pick-up" or hog tie somebody to take them home with them? Or does Holly get stuck with them?
My husband asked me as we were having dinner that evening in our hotel and I didn't know the answer.
Holly, we really enjoyed meeting your parents. I'm so glad they could come. They mentioned that they live at Camp Hill now; is that where you grew up? Is that off Rt. 15 before you get into Harrisburg? Near Mechanicsburg? Our hotel was off Union Deposit Rd./Park Rd. near Lawnton area. You might know where that is.
Do you all ever have anybody giving demonstrations or workshops at these plant swaps? Or do any of you ever get together during the year to do something special, related to gardening? I would love to be able to get together with somebody that grows their seeds inside under lights to get an idea how it is done. I can look at all types of books but seeing how people do it in person is better for me. You've read these license plates on cars "The Show me state" well that applies to me.."Show me" don't tell me how to do it and expect me to comprehend fully.
Have you all ever wrapped your garden related gifts and then played a game where somebody could say "I want to trade with you and takes the gift you have, and you can snatch it back later. I can't think of the name of the game but it is fun. We used to do it for our Christmas party at TOPS.. People would wrap their gifts so pretty or put it in many boxes so it would look like a big gift, open it up and it was something small.
Yep Jan I could see David's brain draining as I was loading it with acorus chatter! Nothing peculiar to David I have just had to learn the signs of in one ear and out the other. Slight cocking of the head to one side, eyes a bit glazed or narrowed and a visual focus away but sometimes imperceptably close to speaker. Listener is usually engaged in another task simultaneously and tries to auditorially focus while visual attention is elsewhere. So, in addition to drain my brain just doesn't load it in the first place! Or, if I do load info in a highly stimulating situation like a plant swap that info could be stowed away in any of the memory files with me afterward not having a clue as to where to find it but convinced it is in there. I may forget I wanted to remember something and then suddenly days later EUREKA my brain reveals if. Slightly aside, during college exams I couls 'see' the exact page in the textbook where the answer I needed was but couldn't figure out how to get close in enough to read it....Sigh. M
My point in all this? I think plant swaps are some of the best 'keep your brain young' exercises around, better than crosswords! So please add this to the reasons for having more swaps more often!
And I agree with Gardadore and Happy and others that we need some post swap or second gleaning swap for all we could have and now need to passalong!
Judy
Alrighty - luckily I got 2 of my unknowns ID'd...please help with the remaing 2. Last 2 pics are of same plant - just different angle. Done with cell phone so bare the the iffy quality - please and thank you.
I get what you are saying about 'post-swap' learning and get-togethers, and all I can say is this: if y'all want something like that, then organize one ^_^ I was thinking about a fall swap here, then I heard rumors Sally is thinking about having one?? Organizing a swap isn't 'that' easy - it takes organizing of dates, having the room to do it, organizing food/drinks...and before you say you don't have room, I live in a townhouse and have held 2 swaps here ^_^
Critterologist, I personally have not used my Black Stem taro in a water feature so research is needed here for best practices. In the tropics where they are native there tends to be a rainy season and a drier season which these plants are accustomed to evolutionarily.
On the musa bassoo. Yes, it is one of the 'hardy' bananas and is reported to be root hardy with mulch/cover in zone 7 and even zone 6 (zones here refer to length and coldness of winters) About seven miles away from me zone 7b-8a, the parent of the baby I passed on to Holly has formed a huge grove of about 30 such plants and retain their stalks every winter so far (15 years) with no cover but in an ideal for them protected spot. I believe Holly is planning a leaf cage for hers. In selecting a site it would be good to select one with shelter from high winds which will shread banana leaves and ruin that authentic luau you might be planning to give!
Ensetes should be over wintered inside a cool space where it wont freeze during its dormancy (one guy stcks them horizontally in the crawl space under his house) or grown as a house plant.
More on this later, got to run and deliver the papers. Wonder what song I'll hum today?
Judy
You also have hosted two great swaps Becky, and I had a great time at each of them. I have also had the pleasure of visiting your home and gardens on a non-swap day and you have a lovely home. I know that a lot of preparation work goes in to hosting any sort of get together, and my hat is off to anyone brave enough to volunteer to do so. There will come a day when we will play host to one of these gatherings, but it won't be during 2012.
Even though we own two acres of rural land, somehow our parking situation leaves very much to be desired and that is just one of the logistics that will need attention before we invite a crowd here. Single visitors and families are welcome any time that any one is traveling in these parts and wants to stop for a cool drink if summer time, or a cup of coffee or hot tea if during cooler months.
An idea I have had for parking is asking my brother for permission to park across the road on property he owns and then using one of his recreational vehicles to transport people and plants up our very, very steep driveway. My brother visited here last evening on his "Mule" which would seat four people and I was actually thinking of seeing if there is a possibility of John and I purchasing one for ourselves before we offer to host a swap. That is in the idea stage at the moment, and will be decided upon after researching cost of said vehicle. Time will tell.
Sally, I hope the rumor is true of your hosting a swap. I would love to see your gardens. Gosh, any one of any of you who would host would be great to see your places too. I have visited quite a few homes of the members here and have really been quite amazed at the gardens that each of us plant lovers have grown. Heck, you know us....we will travel for plants.
A very special thank you to each who so graciously shared your extras with us. I see that we came home with much more than was requested, and that is a-okay with me. We will find room for all of the above. Most of you know that the past couple of years, John has been vending at a local farmers market most Saturday mornings. I wanted to reassure folks that we don't accept any plants from you folks and sell them directly, but do use the off spring of some said plants in our small business. Sally, the Lysicmachia has been really putting out lots of extras, which some are now potted and will go to market when they set bloom. Last evening when my niece was here walking around our yard, she commented on how pretty the plant was and I was happy to be able to offer her some that was already potted up and ready to go to a new home.
David, you too very kindly offered us quite a few of the Campanula Elizabeth which will also be potted and when in bloom sit on John's table at the market. Thank you so much to all who have shared your extras with us. I can't look in any direction, indoors or out without being reminded of you folks because so many of the house plants and garden plants have come from you very great people.
Yes indeed, I too am still riding on a high of sorts that always follow these events. May the good feelings continue for us all. Happy Gardening everyone.
Ruby
You go Bec! I hear ya. And here I thought just having met you that you had just recently had to move to a town house because I recalled that you hopsted the swap I sent ambassador plants to but did not attend!
So, Holly, Bec, Roses and Critter, does it get any easier the second time around?
I guess for me, part of the swap high is looking forward to the next ones!
Tremendous thanks to every one for all of the prep and planning and logistics every one put in whether hosting or just attending.!
This message was edited May 21, 2012 12:44 PM
Chantell, these are just guesses: The leaf shape, veination and white underside of the first plant suggest to me an Attenneria, or pussytoes. We have a patch in our yard that looks almost identical. The second plant (in its present condition) could pass for some species of violet.
Heehee on test-taking. My problem in college was in physics which I didn't take in high school. Very hard for me. The problem was during tests, the prof sat down at the bottom of the lecture hall amphitheater and never looked up. Kids had their books open on the floor all around the room. Burned me up.
I am seriously thinking about spring or fall 2013. That way I have time to get ready. Hahaha who am I kidding? I won't be completely ready, but you know what? I realize it doesn't matter. It is what it is and that is good enough. Yay. I also realize it is too far for many of you, but it also opens up a whole different area. We live right across the river from Wilmington, DElaware.
Nope, we've been here for 9 years in this townhouse - it was our choice when we moved to VA ^_^ I took my cue from Jill and pretty much did what she did - organized the threads for swapping/foods/have's etc. made sure I had cover for people, some chairs, tables and went from there ^_^ I don't stress over much and I didn't over the swaps either - I live on a cul-de-sac and set up everything at the end of the street ^_^
Ahhh David - you're a genius...I bet that's exactly what the first is and probably the 2nd as well. I has asked for both - yipeeee!!!
I've yet been to a swap that wasn't simply wonderful!! It's more about the social aspect really....ok the plants don't hurt (unless you've run out of room in the vechicle you've traveled in...UGH - MY bad) I think with a little organization (there's always the swap gurus here to ask questions of) anyone could do it and it's fun to visit different areas (say's she that's never done one...LOL)
Critter the plant that Jamie collected is Justicia americana American water-willow. http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=juam
Pippi, I was glad to have whatever left overs there were. My son Jamie and wife Deb couldn't come as they were at a BoyScout function and they have several empty acres so they are glad for any plants at this time. We haven't done any type of demonstrations as we are usually too busy trying to get around to talk to everyone. I never have enough time to spend with everyone that I would like. Some of the Mid-Atlantic members that live close enough try to do some activities. We had a group visit Rawlings Conservatory in Baltimore and Longwood Gardens there have been some other get togethers from time to time.
Chantell, I gave away a couple of White Violets. Should be marked on the pot with silver marker if they came from me.
Yes, Second swaps are easy. Somehow we keep missing Bec's Swaps there is always something coming up to keep us away.
Wind, I'd love to see Harry's video, hope he can figure out how to post it someplace.
Chantell -- I'm sure your photo #1 is, as David said, pussytoes from Jill -- that originated at Hart's (I think Jill got them in the 2008 swap). Jill gave me some as well, and they look exactly like your photo.
And I agree with David on the violets as well ....
So Sally, are you "on" for a fall swap?
Did anyone pot up plants in translucent purple cups -- maybe 12 ounce size? I have 2 unlabeled plants I don't recognize -- and no functional camera at the moment so i can't post a picture. Lots of stems.
Ssgardener: I'd put your new bareroot plants in some of that excellent Tapla mix you made, wet it thoroughly (unless these are plants that rot easily or are cactuses or other desert-loving plants), and then put the pot in a plastic grocery bag and tie it at the top -- put a puff of air in it before you tie it so the bag will stand up. Put them inside by your sink (so you don't forget them and the "weather" is fairly constant), out of direct sun, and wait a few days. I bet they'll recover. Check every few days and if they don't look ready, re-bag them. Once you think they are looking sturdier, don't take the bag off all at once or they will wilt -- but first open the bag and wait a day or two, then slide it part-way down and wait a day or two, and finally remove it.
By the way, this same technique will work for rooting the Salvia Black and Blue cuttings I brought, if anyone is wondering, thought it will take a few weeks for roots to form.
Happy, those purple cups would have been from me, they should be catnip.
Yep, Chantell, those are Hart's pussytoes... sorry, another pot that I didn't get labeled!
Ah, which Sally's arm are we twisting? LOL
I haven't been able to get my house or "grounds" into the kind of amazing shape that Holly & Ric or Terri & Mike managed... but most of hosting a swap is providing the framework for the event -- a place (threads) to organize some information before the gathering and a place to gather. I do understand about things like parking issues (here, we can use the parking area up by the community pool if we get more cars than our cul-de-sac can handle), but more generally speaking if you wait until you're sure everything is perfect before you have a party, well, for most of us we wouldn't have many parties! :-)
I'm taking notes happy....y'all come up with the bestest ideas...and my plants thank you for them!!
Jill - no worries - I remembered you even pointed them out to me...my bad for forgetting. My brain still goes MIA unexpectedly...ugh
This message was edited May 21, 2012 2:43 PM
Catbird423 -- catnip -- that's it! We just tested it on Barney (the cat) and he was definitely interested -- though I have read it is more potent dried than fresh. Thank you! And Barney thanks you too!
Barney will be one happy cat.
My friend is going to subscribe to DG. Instead of tipping her for my hair, she now has DG. Well, not yet, but soon. Thank you all for making her feel welcome.
Today,We've had light, soaking rain most of the morning and afternoon, so everything should be growing and blooming once the sun comes out again. What perfect weather we had on Saturday for the swap.
HM, thank you for that tip about using a plastic bag!
Sallyg, What do I do with the Gloriosa Lily? I remember the thread last year with all the pictures and discussions can you direct me back too it? Can't wait to get it in the ground.
Since I was exhausted on Sunday and working all day today I haven't gotten anything in the ground, but have found homes for the lovely house plants I got from Gita and Donner :-) Hoping to get the annuals in the planters tomorrow - my deck is covered, and the tomatoes in pots - they'll have to live on the deck, hoping they won't explode!
Just wanted to thank everyone who gave me plants or cuttings to enjoy here in Annapolis.
I love the creative variety of labels and pots from computer generated to marker on newspaper! Sallyg I tried sticking your marker in soil but I doubt it will take root! Do you want it back?
A special shout out to Ruby who gifted me with the most precious unique pot and glass holder filled with my two plant passions: coleus cuttings and hen and chicks. I am intrigued with the pot which I believe can be hung on a post or pole or small tree by an adjustable strap! So sweet, just like you special lady!
The other variety beside the plants (Buttoneer those mini plants are so cute!) that I'm enjoying as I work with my haul is the variety of soils the plants you have shared have grown in. Sallyg is your soil really that sandy? And I'm not the only one with clay I see.
Any how my post swap plant life has been easy because of the care you all took with the plants you shared. The baton has passed so to speak to me . May I be worthy and spare my plants from that slow tortuous decline some of you put your orchid through.!
Thanks, for instructions verbal and written (yeah Gita). And thank you Wind for connecting with Coleuslover and bringing her wonderful healthy robust coleus cuttings to me. She did the MEG that Cris organized in April. and I hope more of us will get to meet her. Hopefully you and she will get together some as you live in the same town!
Enough for now...
Judy
Lots to read today..I must have been busy yesterday!
Fall swap here? Sure why not? I have a cul de sac situation like Jill's but an older development. Some shuffling of vehicles but then can park along the street just a house or two away. My house would be the one with the Sycamore planted where no reasonable person would- right by the mailbox in a tiny culdesac front yard. I didn't do it; it was here! I think the prior owner did an Arbor day thing- ten mystery trees and just plant them around la de da.
Everybody's garden here is 'amazing' in what we accomplish thru hard work, and sharing, and searching out cool stuff. DO not expect neatness here, but do look for variety (tee hee)
Judy, please keep and enjoy that marker! Consider it a tip for your generosity of plants. Thanks for reiterating (iterating?) the care of the Colo/Alo-casias.
Sometimes the soil traces jog my memory- like Holly and Ric's red clay under a hosta. Cool. My soil is sort of sandy but can have clay underneath- weird. Sticky clay, not the same kind as Catonsville Piedmont reddish clay.
Trying to clean house today, badly neglected!!!
Ray! Sally's hosting a swap!!!
YIPPEEE!!!!! Fall swap at Sallyg. I am getting excited already. I get excited pretty easily. Haha
ow, my arms!!!!! lol. They weren't twisted that hard! Nyah nyah, I won't have to pack my van with plants...
Good to see that the high is continuing for most every one. I get a special little thrill each time I pass my porch and see the goodies that are now lining the tables out there. I am much like Becky and the others who are busy catching up not being home for two days, and haven't yet spent very much time potting or planting. John is working on planting Iris and Campanulas at the moment.
I was able to stick a few things in pots last evening. Trying to tend the most tender things first and the others can wait with no problem hopefully. I did a mail order purchase in Mid April believing the company would have shipped way before last week, so I really have double trouble on my porch currently. No space for my house plants to go out until the new plants find homes first. A visitor to our home this week would be in awe of the many plants sitting here, there and every where.
Thus far, I have only one un-ID'ed pot which I will take a photo of soon and ask for instructions and a name. I have been amazed with all we brought home with us. I suppose par for the course, we ended up with lots of extras that others had. This particular trip we didn't bring any thing extra to speak of due to the space restrictions we had.
Well folks, gonna run and see what kind of planting I can get done today. Such fun!!! Happy planting to all.
Ruby
...Taking a break....
Sally---A question on one of your plants....
The color-striped Canna you gave me. Is it the shorter variety? The one you often see planted
in the center of a lg. pot? Seems I have seen it in combo-planters at HD.
If it is short--I shall do the same....
I am not getting anywhere much with the garden. Too many maple seedlings coming up everywhere!
I have NEVER seen so many little "helicopters" before. They are all over! And--sprouting...
I could open a Maple Tree farm...:o)
Free food for the squirrels, though. They eat out the seeds. One was sitting high up on my gutter chowing away.
The gutters have these wire-leaf-guards on them--and the maple whirlies collect there.
It is NO fun--when you want to plant things--BUT--first you have to pull up all the sprouting maples,
then dig up the soil a bit, exposing more of them. Then amend the soil for the new season--and only THEN
I can plant something.
Though my budding Hummer bed was done. NOPE! It is, once again, covered in Maple seeds.
AAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGHHHHHHHH....
Gita
Yeah those maple seedlings are RIDICULOUS this year!!!!
Gita, I think the canna you are describing came from me at our preswap at Sally's. You and she helped me divide it and you each took a chunk. The rest I brought to swap as extras. They are 'Tropicana' cannas. FYI
I am sure that everyone got one or two tiny Maple Trees in each pot I gave away. LOL
Ditto for the Maples seedlings. I was trying to get John to pot some of the ones we have sprouting every where here, and we had a rather loud discussion about it. He says no, I am not selling them. I said, you don't have to yell, and he says, I have told you numerous times no, so I feel I have to yell. hahahaha
We have just spent the past several hours working our buns off. He was cleaning out the gutters which were full of previous topic and is now in the process of trying to wash the helicopters off the deck. He came in a bit ago to call his brother about borrowing his power washer, and bro said he forgot to put anti-freeze in it this past winter, and there is no longer a power washer that works. John said he is going to try and borrow one if he can find someone who has one, or either go purchase one if can't borrow one. I told him to rent one, but he would rather buy one I suppose. Heck, might just be a good investment for us.
I was able to clean off a neglected plant table on the deck and then move a couple dozen at least house plants out the door to spend their summer. I will need to keep an eye on them because it might be a too sunny location for some of them. I also emptied the small garden window I have in the kitchen which was full of rooting jars. I moved them outdoors with some of Saturday's take that need attention. I just told someone that I already had enough plant work here to keep me busy for a month, before I added all of the goodies from Saturday. I don't feel as though I will ever catch up.
Anyway folks......so happy that I was able to spend time with so many of you on Saturday. Thank you to all donors of plant goodies. I have a very beautiful assortment of things, and know that I will derive very much pleasure from them all.
Hope every one is having a good day.
Ruby