Becky's Spring Swap, follow-up thread

Thank you, Becky for hosting a fabulous swap!! Chantell, I know you were her right hand -- thanks are due to you, too! Not to mention various folks behind the scene, including the fellow who put up that fabulous circus tent! :-)

OH, what a day we had! Was there enough food? Were there enough plants to go around? LOL! If anybody went home hungry or plant-less, surely it was their own fault.

Let's share photos, stories, and "hey, what is this plant?" pictures here!

THANK YOU everybody!

And for those who weren't able to make it... you were missed!

(I couldn't believe there wasn't already a followup thread when I logged on... Did it take everybody else this long also to unpack their haul? I just finished -- and I've been home for a couple of hours!)

We're all just too tired to lift a finger to type. Yawn. What a wonderful exhausting day! I am so sad that I didn't get to Bec's until late afternoon, just when people were starting to think of leaving -- and sad that I missed Larienda altogether! And Wrightie, what happened to you? (I have plants to deliver to you.) And other crises: I have ajuga I forgot to give Hart, and coleus I didn't deliver to Shirley1md, and Mona Lavendar still to get to Miata, and wyldflwr did you get the blue hellebore that I intended for you? And that's just for starters. And I missed Larienda altogether, but Hart is doing that delivery (many thanks).

But oh what a perfect place for a swap, and what perfect weather, and what a wonderful funny, kind, warm group of people you mid-atlantic folks are. Bec and Chantell, you outdid yourselves! Many thanks from the bottom of my heart.

But what was I thinking of when I asked for all those plants????

One thing is for sure -- I know what I'll be doing tomorrow!!!

This message was edited May 25, 2008 8:28 AM

Same here, worn to a frazzle. It was such a wonderful day. Becky and Chantell, it was just a perfect swap. Hostesses with the mostesses.

I so enjoyed getting to see everyone. I was especially tickled Ruby and John came because I know she wasn't originally planning to make it. John, you were a lifesaver helping me load those plants this evening.

Gita, Critter, both Shirleys, Chantell, Bec, Jody, Sally, Bobby, Aspenthomas and Slowpoke, er I mean Happy - it was so fantastic to see all of you. I hope I'm not forgetting anybody. I'm sure I am only because my brain is mush.

The food was wonderful too, even if Gita was fretting about it being too much. LOL

Darn it, next time everybody has to be there. I took a bunch of photos but no energy for downloading them tonight.

Thanks everyone for the great day and all these plants. My plant piggishness is sated. At least for a while. LOL

Just got back from Becky's....had to help "clean up" the ummm errrr leftovers.....LOL. Believe me when I say ALL thanks goes to Becky...I simply showed up...she already had everything going...dang great hostess, isn't she?!?!? Also too tired to upload pics....will do tomorrow after a trip to the zoo.....ohhhh what fun!!!
Big thank you to ALL for making this a perfect day!!!

I'm just STUNNED by everybody's generosity. I can't tell you how many times I exclaimed in delight -- again! -- as I was unpacking my treasures tonight, making sure they got sorted out and that all got a good drink. They're all under the canopy against the house tonight for a little extra protection.

Speaking of protection, this is an important detail.... The Basils, Torenia, Balsam Impatiens and Petunias that I brought are NOT hardened off. The tomatoes should be fine, but anything else in a little black cell pack pot will need to be gradually acclimated to outside conditions. Most of what I brought are outside plants, either overwintered seedings or divisions, and hardening off doesn't apply to those, either. If anybody "new" to seedlings and hardening off got these plants, please check my article on hardening off to see what I'm talking about: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/914/

Oh, and pardon the self-promotion, but several people were interested in finding my articles. I've been scheduling them every Thursday, plus an occasional extra one, and you can find all the published ones at this link: http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/by.php?user=critterologist

Miata, you left 3 boxes in the back of the car. :-) LMK when you want to come by for them... one box was your extras, and I helped myself to the 3 remaining bear's foot hellebores... I'll bring one to my MIL, send one to my SIL, and pass one along to Terri (who I hope I'll see again soon!).

Nutmeg, I hope you find your way over to this thread... I've got a RP Phlox from Hart for you, plus a pot of ajuga and a Solomon's Seal from Happy. If you can't stop by soon, LMK so I can pot up the SS (it's bare root).

Thank you Becky and Chantell for all your hard work! I also want to thank everone who so generously shared plants with me. I really enjoyed the time we spent with yall. I wish we could have stayed longer. It was almost dark when we got home and unloaded. I thought he would never stop bringing stuff to me. Everything got watered and the mosquitos were happy to have me outside. Today, I suppose I will spend most of the day repotting or planting. Happy, I wish I could have spent more time with you. Maybe next time. Thank you so much for all the things you brought to me. I could not believe how much you had it that bag. And no, I did not receive the hellebore. I had forgotten about it until you just mentioned it. Once again, thank you all for the welcome, the friendship and the plants.

Thank you Becky! What a wonderful day!!!

Thanks everyone! for all the plants, food and great company. There is never enough time to socialize with everyone at these swaps.

I'm still exhausted, LOL. Got home at 9 and didn't even have it in me to unload the plants. I was doing good at not requesting much thinking I don't have time or beds made for lots of treasures. Then the first person to give me plants, wonderful Jill, ended up giving me an entire flat of stuff! LOL. Thanks bunches! The plants just kind of piled up after that. Then as we were getting ready to leave mom kept spotting plants she had to have... happy thank you so much for the "angel" for my angel (mom) :) I think I still came home with less than I went with, but not by much.

And... I got kisses from the Thunder kitty! How awsome is that?!?! :) :) :)

Thanks again everyone for all the treasures and great company! I've got a bunch of pics I'll post some later. Right now I'm going to finish my cup of coffee on the porch and begin the task of unloading plants.

Hi!!!
Wanted to introduce myself. I've been gardening in MD for 14 years now. I have a 2nd home in northern FL and hope to move south permanently in a couple years. But, since I am still in MD, thought I'd check out this thread.

You sound like you have fun swapping. And I'm amazed that people actually know what they have planted!!! I start with good intentions, then loose the markers and they become "posies".

I have a variety of clematis on my basement railing, columbine here, there, and everywhere, bulbs of this that and the other. I love perennials.

SInce it isn't raining this weekend I hope to get out to my favorite plant place - Papa Johns out in GB to get some annuals.

Hopefully nites will start getting warmer so my tomatoes will eventually do "something".

Becky---Paldies!....paldies!....paldies!..... (that is "Thank You" in Latvian).

It was a perfect day! Lovely spot to have it and those tents were wonderful.

Hart--yes I tend to fuss about excesses.....My frugal pea-brain does not deal too well with waste--of anything--especially food! Just remnants of my early life when we did not have anything....That stays with you for life, I think....

We had our adventures going home--Shirley and I. Somehow, we ended up going around DC the OTHER way..on #295! Too much talking and not enough relying on the road signs with our own eyes......I found the GPS distracting at times...
It IS very confusing when approaching #495 from the VA side. You HAVE TO be in the right lanes (of about 12) to get to the Beltway!
Anyway--as Shirley said--we just got to do a little more "sightseeing".....

It was great to see everyone and meet a couple new people I had not met, like Larienda, Wyldeflower, Jody, and some of the husbands. Linda--your kids are adorable and so well behaved! Your hubby was the perfect baby sitter.

I have to work today until 7PM. Elf is coming after that to get her stuff. Tomorrow (Monday) have a cook out to go to at 1PM. Won't get to continue planting my Garden until mid-week. Now that the Swap is over--I won't be spendig as much time on the Computer.
Thanks again to everyone and especially to you, Becky, for doing such a fabulous job!

Gita

Qwilter: Welcome! You'll have to come to the next swap.

Welcome Qwilter. Nice to have you with us.

Wow - I truly understand everyone being exhausted. We did the same thing as Jody and left the things in the car overnight. We will get them out soon as we have another family get together later this morning. Oh my gosh, busy, busy, busy.

It was great seeing everyone that I met last year at Hart's. My favorite part of the day was meeting the people that I hadn't met before. Last year I was amazed at the generosity of all Dave's Gardeners. That stood true again this year.

Well, we will probably have the time later today do possibly plant a few things. The others can wait. There is nothing on the agenda for tomorrow, yet, so I have plans to work on everything then.

Oh my gosh, the food was out of this world. Gita, loved the special treat that you bought. I have completely forgotten what you called them. Miata, you might win the award for the most unusual offering of the day as far as food is concerned. I did not try your eggie thingie but everyone who did taste it seemed to like it. Which brings me to wanting to say that even though you and I didn't get to speak one on one yesterday, I think very highly of you. You are such a sweetie in every sort of way.

I know that John was very glad that some men came yesterday. I believe that he had a very good time speaking with all the guys. I was so happy to hear that lots of the hubbies are the ones who have to do most of the gardening labor. Sometimes I feel guilty about having John do all that he does. NOT ......ha-ha

Anyway, I will thank Becky and Chantell for hosting this. It went wonderfully as far as I am concerned. Happy planting to everyone.

Ruby

You all sound like you had a great time, can't wait to see your pictures. I was thinking about you all yesterday. I was outside all day gardening, it was a wonderful day.
Gita, Sally and Shirley we need to pick out a name for you. Traveling together to these events, sounds like you have a great time, even on your sight seeing tours.LOL
Hopefully next year I'll be able to attend a swap too.
Chris

sounds like you all had a great time...I would have tried to make the trip if I didn't have a BBQ to go to yesterday. Maybe next yr. I do wish I was just a bit closer to you all :)
~Diana

Awwwww.....two of my favorite DG'ers didn get to come yesterday. That makes last weekend at Longwood even more special.

This year was very much like last year's where towards the end of the day everyone was begging others to take some of the extras that they brought along.
i got some gorgeous things. Thanks to each and every one of you who gave me the goodies.

I will think of each of you as I plant and later just enjoy your offerings.

Have a great day everyone.

Ruby

wrightie- if you're here- of course we all missed you and soooo sorry you couldn't make it-----just when life is crazy and you think you can't handle one more thing, there it is.

and those too far to attempt the swap- hopefully theres one in the future for you.
noobie- I have a lemon balm from happy with your name on it.
Qwilter I am five minutes from Papa Johns-- we must do a local get together lunch or something

Mark admitted he didn't mind hanging out, chillin, eating all thegreat food, talking to the guys, and gals, helping with carrying...
So funny- can't believe we missed the DC Beltway on our way down- but that workedout fine, there's more than one way to go. Afterre swap we were flying to get to the other side o f DC in an hour forthe wedding. Had one clog of traffic and only had one tomato plant fly into the back of our heads (figurativley) all survived. I changed and did makeup, suchas it is for me, on the road, and Mark changed in 3 minutes flat in the van in Martin's Crosswinds parking lot (behind a nice hedge of Eunymus japonicus 'Manhattan") So we made it with five min to spare---Lovely wedding outside, world's most darling flower girls(guess they all are LOL) more great food- needless to say my van stayed verdant until this morning too.
Now I have planted tomatos, phlox, daffs...but have serious cleaning to do before all the rest has a permanent spot. Thanks everybody for your generosity and of course B and C hostesses.

Gita, I hope I didn't bring up bad memories with my teasing. :>(

Qwilter, you have to come to the next get together! I'm sure we'll have something going in the fall. Nobody cares if you bring anything with actual names or anything at all besides yourself.

Okay, finally got the photos downloaded - here's Critter and Chantell

The beautiful cake. I don't know who brought this but it was adorable.

Everybody sitting under the terrific shades Bec provided.

Another general shot

One more

Gita and Bobby

John, Ruby's husband, and Mike, Shirley's husband.

Rubby, Bobby and Shirley

I mean Ruby above. I do know how to spell your name, Ruby. LOL

Sally checking out the food.

Shirley, Critter and Bobby

and again

Two Shirleys- shirleymd and wyldefwr

sallyg- WOW......that close to PJ.............. I'd be broke!!!! I'm down at the far west corner of Severn between Arundel Mills Mall & Ft Meade. I hope to go to PJ tomorrow AM. I hope they have a plant or 2 left.

Bobby and Critter

Question for Nutmegnana: Critter brought me your wonderful Lonicera John Clayon. But I am confused. DG's plant files indicates it is a 4' shrub. http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/80401/ But several vendors list it as a vine. For example: http://www.forestfarm.com/search/closeup.asp?PlantID=lose015 Which do you have?

(I'm dmailing you also, but I thought I'd post it here because others may have the same question.)

I've seen it -- it's a vine! It's taking over a good section of fence at her place.

Although the bloom color is a little different (more of a buttery, daffodil yellow), the habit is like my American Honeysuckle from Brushwood (cultivar unknown, for anybody who got the rooted shoots in a pot from me).

Thanks.

Yep. Jill said it. It's definitely a vine, maybe a little shrubby -- has kind of a bushy habit but it has to have something to grow against. It seems happy with the 4-foot fence and doesn't seem to be crawling too much along the top.

Here is a close up of the yellow flowers. It blooms pretty much continuously from April thru October and November and doesn't really lose its leaves in winter, just stops blooming.

This message was edited May 25, 2008 8:18 PM

Oops. I've been in the yard all day . . . Here is the picture.

OK! Now all those pictures of the American Honeysuckle scare me!

Whatever kind it is that I got from Jill last fall--It was ID'd as American Honeysuckle--I cannot have it growing that big! No way!!!!
So far--it looks "cute" on my 5' (now deceased) Clematis trellis. Did it "murder" my Clematis???? I really CANNOT have it growing as big as in Jill's picture!!!! It is in a flower bed.....No matter if it is even a bit smaller--It will have to go.
SO--it means I will be digging it up by late Fall and offering it to someone. Maybe planting another Clematis in there or maybe a smaller Climbing Rose.

OK! I have my pictures uploaded, so here will be a bunch of pictures for you to "peruse"....

Here is Chantelle and hart....

Here's the veggie and fruit trays that Bec had provided....YUMMMM

Here's Ruby and John and hart--trying to 'sell" a plant to Ruby......
Love this picture of profiles.....

Here's another picture of the decadent food spread....

Don't panic, Gita. Just get out your pruners and cut it down to size. That is only a 4-foot fence that mine is growing against. Admittedly, it is in the back of our veggie garden and can pretty much do what it wants, as long it leaves the clematis alone, which it does. Also has stayed out of the echinicea growing next to it.