This will be my second year to host a plant swap. One of the ladies in another group I'm in said she didn't think her hubby would drive her 100's of miles for a plant swap, but if we had a convention or seminar or something official sounding, he would. So we're having a Butterfly Convention! Wanna join us??
The Master Gardeners Tour of Gardens is going to take place on Sat. May 21, before it gets so hot and humid here. So I'm planning to have the convention that weekend. We can leave for the tour on May 21 around 9 a.m., and do the plant swap on the 22 beginning about 11 a.m. You can come for the entire weekend (and a few extra days if you wish) or just come for whichever day suits you. All gardening friends are welcome anytime.
I'm in NE Arkansas, about an hour from Memphis, about an hour from Kennett MO, and about 2.5 hrs from Little Rock.
If you're into camping out, we have land for that. We also have a small lot where you could park an RV, SUV, or a van to sleep in as well. And of course there are motels here for about $30 or more a night if you prefer, about 3 miles from my house.
I also want this to be a potluck. Those of you travelling from far away can bring paper plates, cups, drinks, chips, cookies, homemade goodies, veggies, fruits, etc. I might make a big batch of tacos or something. I make great tacos! Unless y'all want something different? We can always order pizza if you prefer. And of course, I'll make my famous banana split pie.
You're welcome to bring anyone you think would enjoy chatting about plants endlessly. We also have a lake here and your husbands might enjoy going fishing there.
We also just got a new Nature Center in town, so I'll take y'all over there and let you see it. And I can take you to Shirley's. She has hundreds of daylilies and irises, as well as other perennials that she sells. And of course there's Lowe's and other nurseries in town. So I can keep you guys busy while you're here.
Some of you may not have much to trade by May 21, but look around and see if you have household items or whatever that you'd like to trade off. We're all barterers. So bring anything you think you might could trade for some plants you'd like. I have a group of friends called The Butterfly Ranch on yahoo where we've been posting our wants and haves. If you'd like to join, send me your email address and I can send you an invitation to join our group.
There will be door prizes and perhaps some contests. Y'all can help me plan some of the fun. Whaddaya think?
I'm looking forward to seeing y'all!
Please email me if you're planning to come.
NancyAnn
THE ANNUAL BUTTERFLY CONVENTION/PLANT SWAP IN JONESBORO, AR
Hi NancyAnn,
I had seen on your website that this was being planned, I am so sad that I live soooo far away! You are gonna have a blast!
You should post this in the Roundup forum too, http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/roundup/
or even go to the DG Calendar of Events forum http://davesgarden.com/forums/f/dgevents/
and ask a moderator to post it there for you (they are the only ones that can post to that forum).
I think you will have more success with getting the word out in those forums.
I am sure that there are alot of people that would LOVE to attend if they know about it.
Have a wonderful time, wish I was gonna be there,
Donna
Hi Donna, thanks for the advice. I have now posted this on the Roundup forum too. I already have several signed up from NJ, TX, FL, IN and AR. It will be a lot of fun and not too hot here yet. I hope to do this every year.
Oh, and I've got some good news about my medical issues. I'll email you with details.
N.
I've set up a website with more info on the plant swap. Already, 8 people are signed up to come since I announced it yesterday. A couple have already made reservations to stay at a cabin near here. Here's a link to further information:
http://thebutterflyranch.com/2005_annual_butterfly_convention.htm
Please let me know if you wish to come.
NancyAnn
I can't get away to join in on the fun, but I surely didn't want folks to miss it so I'm bumping this thread up..
Judy
Hey Judy,
I sure wish you could make it. We're going to have a very busy schedule and lots of fun. I love having all these guests who just love to talk about gardening and hit all the nurseries. I can't think of a better way to spend the day.
If things work out so you can come, holler at me and I'll give you directions. We'd sure love to have you.
NancyAnn
Well, in such a short time, our party has grown! It's now going to be a 3 day event! Several people are driving across a few states to attend the convention. And I promised to carry everyone over into TN near Union City where some of the best nurseries are. There's also a daylily farm and a hosta farm in the area, and everyone is saving money to buy new varieties. We plan to make the TN run on Fri, May 20.
If y'all would like to join us, just drop me a note. Check out the website and see what else is in store for ya if you attend. I'm not far from Memphis, in case some of you MS and TN folks want to join us.
NancyAnn