spring 'Secret Easter Bunny' trade

The sign up list for this trade is now CLOSED. My apologies to any who missed the deadline, but there will be plenty of other spring trade opportunities.

THE DATE FOR THIS TRADE HAS BEEN CHANGED!!!

This is the thread for the 2005 Secret Easter Bunny Trade (because you can't call it a 'Secret Santa' in April!).

THE DATE FOR THIS TRADE HAS BEEN CHANGED!!!

I will make changes and updates to the top of this thread when necessary, so please check here first!

This trade has a minimum requirement of seven different varieties of African Violets, to include at least two plantlets and at least 5 pairs of leaves from other AVs. Extras are certainly permitted but not necessary. Some people do not mind "no ID" plants, and some really prefer named varieties. You do not have to try to find everything on somebody's wish list, but hopefully everyone will post a wish list to give their Easter Bunny an idea of what might especially delight them.

There was a secret plant trade last spring that chose to use a 3 plant minimum, and it worked out really well... many people were willing & able to include more than that in their boxes, but I don't think anyone felt cheated if all somebody else had to send was the required 3. This allowed wider participation by people who were just starting their gardens, and it gave those with established gardens a chance to share their plants with somebody they knew would love them. I didn't participate, but I had fun following the thread.

After some thought, this trade was limited to US members to avoid potential problems shipping across borders. Although newcomers to DG were welcome, only those with positive trading feedback at signup time could participate. Since this is my first time coordinating this type of trade, I tried to stack the odds in favor of everything going smoothly.

*****

More details about this trade:

1. I have an address for everyone who is participating, but not everyone has posted a "wish list." Giving even a general idea of your preferences will be helpful to your Secret EB, so please post if you haven't done so.

2. I matched up traders & preferences as well as I could, with a good degree of random chance in the process. I Dmailed all participants on December 1, 2005, with the names & addresses of their secret trade buddies. Please, keep the name of your buddy secret, as the surprise and anticipation are part of the fun. Check their posts on the forum to get an idea of their haves/wants if you like.

3. Put down leaves ASAP for plantlets to send, if you haven't done so already. You could also purchase a plant in spring and share leaves with your buddy, or even take leaves for yourself and send the mother plant. (This may give you a backup plan in case of a propagation disaster.)

THE DATE FOR THIS TRADE HAS BEEN CHANGED!!!

4. In the first or second week of May, weather permitting, you will mail your leaves/plantlets directly to your AV buddy and be sent leaves/plantlets by somebody else in the trade. Please ship your box by or before May12., preferably by May 2. Use a quick ship method such as USPS Priority Mail, and send me the confirmation number via Dmail. (If you purchase & print postage online, USPS confirmation is free.)

5. Include your DG name inside your trade box so the recipient knows who to thank. I'll start a thread in April so we can all post pictures and descriptions of the contents of our box!

6. Your trade box should include a *minimum* of 7 different varieties, with at least 2 well grown plantlets (they don't need to be blooming size, but should be large enough to be quite sturdy for shipping) *and* at least 5 pairs of leaves from different AVs. Extra AVs or other goodies you might want to include are of course permitted but are not necessary.

Links to other useful threads on packaging & shipping, starting from leaf, etc, will be posted below:

Here's a "wish list" thread! http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/560624/

This thread has links to several sources of information on propagating AVs from leaf: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/557527/
This thread is about propagating AVs from a leaf rooted in water rather than in soil: http://davesgarden.com/forums/t/512722/#new



This message was edited Mar 20, 2006 8:53 PM

This message was edited Mar 20, 2006 8:54 PM

Sign up list is now closed.

Many thanks to all who are participating!

critterologist
Violet_Treasure
MsCritterkeeper
debcooper53
nannanavarro
mkjones
SarahJo80
Rose318
jannich
BetsyJ
Begoniacrazii
vossner
JamesCO
daylilydaddy
RDT
Sannajane


This message was edited Dec 1, 2005 7:08 PM

reserved for administrative purposes

Hi
Sounds wonderful ! Are we supose to post here ? I have lot's of exciting leaves and babies growing :)) Fun Fun !! Alison
My Wish LIst !
Trailers
Vintage
Flowers with Green in them !
Chirita
African Violet Chimera's Trailing ones :))
I like them all :))

I have a lot of everything. Lot's trailers, Vintage, Russian rare Av's, Swedish, Trailing Chimera Rare one too :)), Wasp, Variegated, Mini's , Micro's, Semi's, Standards . Fantasy's, vareigated. I don't have any noids all " NAMED" .

This message was edited Nov 7, 2005 2:22 PM

This message was edited Nov 8, 2005 6:10 PM

This message was edited Nov 21, 2005 12:08 PM

Oh, yes -- please post here! And please add a wish/preference list to your post, so your Secret Easter Bunny knows what would especially delight you!

Please add me too!!
I'd love to be in the trade, too.
I do not want any more NOIDS, as I have just about all there are after collecting them for 3 years...but I could be persuaded to trade for other unusal houseplants that would fit my terrariums. Any of the Gessie's would be great!
Small ferns, Mini begonias,Small English Ivies Variegated ones for sure, most can be purchased at local nurseries for $ 3.00 or so and I'd trade for a named AV for those. At least that way those who only have NOIDS could still trade up for a named AV plants or leaf pacs.If that's too complicated then only named AV's for named please.


I'm interested in:
Trailers- Standards first, then Semi Mini's
Vintage-Especially trailers
Any of the Sinningias -'DollBaby' is on my most wanted list.
Episcias-Tri Color & Silver Dust

AV's I'd like other than trailers:
Rob's Boondoogle
Rob's Twinkle Blue


I'll post names of other AV's I like as they come to mind...


MsC

Yep...I'm in. I'll add my wishes later.

Really not wanting any Noid's

Here are some of my wants...and more to come later :)
Ellie Gardener
Rebel's Charmin pink
Rob's Cottonball
Silverglades Meadows
Silverglades Apples
Silverglades Oysters
Fancy Lady
Fredett's Sugar Blues
Rob's Silver Spook
Frosty Frolic
Wild Irish Rose


This message was edited Nov 18, 2005 9:18 PM

This message was edited Nov 18, 2005 9:21 PM

Wish list:

I would like minis and micro minis

Especially these if anyone has them.
Smitten Kitten
Ness' Tiny Flame
Ness' Crinkle Blue
Plumberry Glow
Rob's Boondoggle

Would prefer no NOIDS but will be happy with all. Would also be willing to give more than I receive. This hobby takes up a lot of room, as you'all well know.

Nanna


This message was edited Nov 9, 2005 2:48 PM

This message was edited Nov 10, 2005 10:12 AM

This message was edited Nov 11, 2005 10:24 AM

This message was edited Nov 15, 2005 12:22 PM

ok, I'm in! I'd prefer no NoIDs as well. Have enough of those darling critters running around here as it is. =) I have trailers, by the way, MsC....might have to "reserve" you. ;-)

--Alright, I would LOVE to get an Optimara 'Meg,' and adore anything that is variegated. The 'Buckeye' Series is a beloved favorite! I also like any of the tiny little AV's....mini/micro. Oh, and I lost my 'Frozen in Time,' so if there's one out there.........=)

MKJ

This message was edited Dec 3, 2005 4:30 PM

Fabulous!

I'm starting to wonder if we should make this a swap for named AVs only.... I didn't want to bar anyone from joining in, and I figured I could set it up to swap noids for noids... but with Allison's generous offer to supply named AVs to those without them... What do you think? Or is it too early to be adding to the rules? :-)

I don't know, Critter. =) Some people (those of us who don't have 802 violets already! lol) don't mind "NoIDs" at all. And, I've got some beautiful--as I'm sure we all do--NoID that someone may want a plantlet from? Thumbprint, wavy girl foliage.....fantasy, etc. Either way, we'll have a ball!

Yes, I was thinking that we should leave them in so people could include a favorite noid or two in their box, even if we're mostly trying for named varieties.... even those who would prefer named plants would probably not object to a NoID like this stunning pink one that Nanna gave me:

GORGEOUS, Critter! That's that chimeral-one I was admiring on another thread! ;-)

yep... and I'm guessing it may be a chimera, too, so it may not come true from a leaf... Nanna got mine from a sucker. But like I said... would you turn that one down for having no name? I know I keep resolving to only purchase named AVs, and then one will catch my eye and just leap right into my cart!

This message was edited Nov 10, 2005 9:31 PM

Oh, I'm not trying to be critical of anyone for preferring not to get NoIDs! I'm just saying I'm not sure whether or not we should rule them out across the board for this trade. I'd prefer named, myself, but I wouldn't pass up one or two really special NoIDs in the mix, either.... I may send a favorite NoID or two as a bonus in my box!

Allison, I'm sorry to hear it sounds like your health is worsening. I'll pray for you to get some function & energy back. This forum has found a treasure in you, whether you're able to share your lovelies with us or able to share the wisdom of your experience! I will be sure to pair you with a Secret EB who can send you something special from your wish list! Which green-flowered AVs do you already have?

Thank you !
I am going to send Patti at least ten neamed plants and leaves so I hope she signed up :))
I have a lot of Trailers, Mini's, Semi's, ( Might even see a trailing rare vintage trailer Chimera in Easter bunny secret sawp box ),
I have some Russian rare Av's, Swedish, I have a lot of good ones to share ! It's hard to choose what to put into the boxes.
I can't wait for the Secret Swap.
If a noid person wants to play and has no match I don't mind sending out a second box to them . I have lot's of leaves down with babies coming up so I should have a lot of babies and leaves to share in the Spring :))
I hope more will sign up the more the more fun ! I want everyone to be able to play. So if that means getting noids then I will take noids so everyone can play.
Allison

I'm assuming we'll see both Patti & Sanna posting to this thread... and then I'll add them to the official list! :-)

So... Allison... which green flowered AVs do you already have?

Ok, I'm in! :)

But I'll warn you ahead of time... that I only have one named AV. I don't have too many in the first place. I think I have about 7... only one with a name: Salmonella. I suppose, at that, I don't know if it's a "real" name... but I got it from the gesneriad group and so I think it's real. And I have several plantlets just coming up from its leaves, so its a good choice for me to send.

However, I may be able to wrangle a Ness' Crinkle Blue from the local Gesneriad club at their holiday party (to which I've been invited as an "honorary member" :) I'm very excited!). And I think I'm still a good candidate for participation because I have access to a wonderful supply of other gesneriads (chiritas, sinningias, epescias, kolerias, etc.) at my grandma's house. Everyone should know by now that I walk out of there with *true* treasures and I'd be sure to include some were I packing up a trade box. I can also advise that she just bought a bunch of micro-minis and has just put leaves down from them. She's already promised me one, but I'm sure I could talk her out of more ;) hehe She has quite a soft spot for me :) (I love it!)

I put down a bunch of leaves this afternoon, so I should be ready for trading when the time comes :)

Critter: you have Dmail (again) ;)

Sarah

Great Sarah :)) Sounds like you have been having a lot of fun ! I'm sure it would be fine if you add Gessie's in the box. I see them on people's wish list. I just always Think of them as African violets, all one big happy family :))
Allison

Welcome, Sarah! Ditto what Allison said about including other Gessies in your trade -- it'll work out fine!

Hurray!! The List of players is growing!!

Nanna

Sign me up please.



This message was edited Nov 11, 2005 9:07 AM

Will do, rose! Welcome! Please let us know your wishes/preferences.

Here is my wish list :0)

Trailers- Semi Mini's
Vintage- trailers
Wasp
Sinningias
Episcias
Chimeria
chiritas,
kolerias,
I am also very interested in lipstick plants, nemtanthus ( gold fish ), epiphyllums, begonias too.

Hey I can dream big.. LOL

Patti






This message was edited Mar 15, 2006 11:35 AM

This message was edited Mar 15, 2006 11:37 AM

That's a great list Patti Go for it it great to dream. And dreams do come true :))
Allison

Critter

When you match giver and receivers will you also send to the giver the receiver's wish list?

Nanna

I'll try to do that, but checking for their posts on this thread will also be good as I might miss something.

Along with wish lists, it might be good to mention what you already have, as in, "I love semimini trailers, and I already have 'Rob's HumptyDoo' and 'Rob's Sticky Wicket'. MsC sent me a link to lots of pictures of her violets, and that helped me figure out what I had (that she didn't) to offer her in our recent trade. I know Allision mentioned that with so many varieties, the chances of a duplicate seem small, but I think some of us have been ordering from the same places! I'm just thinking that if your secret EB searches for a green AV, for example, so she can fill something at the top of your list, and then sends you the one green variety that you already have, it'll be disappointing for both. I know I'll do some sleuthing to figure out what pictures my person has posted etc, but links to lists would be good....

Hmmm, maybe I should start another thread, called "what's in your collection??"

My list would be too long if I wrote them names down. But I don't mind doubles. And in swaps I have hardly ever recieved any doubles before.
Right now even my Morning Thunder is Sporting Green and white. Last time it bloomed it had green and white and splashes of purple. New flowers opening so far only Green and white.
My silver wings bloomed green and whute too. lol it's supose to be all white. I have EverFloris Space babies they have green edges, and Emilie Savage a vintage with green edges. and Mini Minx a rare mini with girl leaf green edges. ACA'S MARIE , FROSTED FLAMES , Irish Paradise, Irish Flirt, Sassy Sister, GEORGIA MELON, Grren lace, Green Ice, Green Machine, Lit bit of Irish, bunch of Irish ones, GUELPH'S CHRISTMAS, sorry I can't think of them all. But never worry I like them all and double don't mater
Allison

I just had another thought... I live in Northern Colorado, so I'm very close to the Violet Showcase. I could try to pop down there and get something special if someone has a particular one they're interested in :)

It's a little bit of a challenge to get down there as they are sort of a mom n pop place and are closed on the weekends, but I'll have time to do that during Christmas break :)

Sarah

I got a wonderful order of 14 large plants and a few sets of leaves from them a couple weeks ago :)) They have wonderful plants ! Allison

Hi,please sigh me up,Thanks

Welcome, Jannich! Please tell us a little about your haves/wants when you get a chance. :-)

Yeah ! More fun :)) This is great people will have a lot of time to grow babies and grow plants to trade leaves :))
Hope more sign up. I don't mind shipping out of the Country :))
Allison

Allison, although I'd love to include anyone who's interested, I am more than a little hesitant about shipping out of the country. I've read a number of threads in the plant trading forum about shipping accross borders. Every country has different regulations, and sometimes plants ship successfully, and sometimes they don't, even just to Canada. I just don't want anyone to be disappointed by sending a box and not receiving one, and I'm afraid that having participants who are out of the country is going to increase the odds of that happening.

If you want to set up a 1 on 1 trade with somebody in another country, that's fine, but I think I'm going to add a note about this at the top of the thread. I'm sorry if I'm being overly conservative.

Speaking about being conservative, I've considered posting about this secret trade in the plant trading forum... but I bounced this around with a couple other folks in the swap, and I think I'd prefer to have a smaller swap within the community of those we already "know" on our forum than to open it up to one & all. Feel free to Dmail people that you think might like to join, especially if you've traded with them successfully. I'm not going to set any rules about how much anyone has to have participated in the AV forum or anything, but I want folks to find the EB trade here rather than posting about it more widely.

I'm just trying to stack the odds in favor of things going well for this trade. With 9 people so far, we're doing fine. Having something like this be on the small side the first time we do it is OK, I think.

oops, double posted!

This message was edited Nov 21, 2005 5:22 PM

Well I don't know being new to the Forum how many poeple come here ? I thought maybe there maybe there are more Members of the African violet forum not to be shy come join in :)) I just wanted every member that is part of this forum to feel welcome to join in ! That's why I have done my best to help anyone and everyone to help put them in the postion so they may also have named Av's in order to join in the Easter Bunny Swap.
Sorry I did not know there was a limit on how many people could sign up.
As for out of the Country I understand.. If there is anyone out there I am always happy to trade with you too :)) ( Private Trade Dmail me )


This message was edited Nov 13, 2005 6:51 PM

There's no limit on how many people can sign up! I was just explaining my decision not to post all over DG in an effort to get more & more people to join in since we have enough people to make it happen.... but the more, the merrier! So if anyone's lurking and feeling shy -- please, please, join the fun!

Gaaaah! I can't STAND IT anymore - - I'M IN! I'm IN!! I'm just so weak when it comes to AVs. Those of you who tempted me in my 'bloom" posting - BAD! very bad! I was trying to be good!! (ha ha just kidding!)
But I like your logic, critterologist ~*~* sending out some will make ROOM for some, right?!?!
Okay, so I'm in. I will post my wish list later ~~~~ but can it include another lighted violet stand?!?!?! =0)
*sigh* I'm soooooo addicted.
Betsy

I want in, too. I am hoping by then my collection will be big enough. Sounds really fun. : ) HP