I Showed Restraint...Kind Of

[Jewell]

Had a local plant swap today and I saw it as an opportunity to rid myself of some plant clutter. Starts of fern, heather, raspberries got loaded first. Then I realized I had some Autumn joy sedum in pots that I'd like to get rid of. On a cleaning spree now I lifted the impatients that will soon freeze hoping someone would like to winter them over. Then there was a geranium...in it went also. That got me thinking about the aloe Vera that needed to be divided, and several pots of indoor sedums including my mother plant of donkey's tail, jade plants and a bonsai tree I wasn't happy with. The back of my old Subaru was full.

Most everything I brought was gone before I left and the best part I didn't have to bring anything home. Of course I had to take a little time to see what was in the free hoop house. Didn't feel like bartering. I only got two yuccas, three carex, and three Oregon grape (native variety) for the bed I am redoing out front. For the woodland garden there were some piggy back plants (also a native) for the shade garden. A nice score of four clumps of Asiatic lilies. The colors were orange and red so a nice change from my usual pastels. Unfortunately the sad looking ledebouria socialis filled up several of my empty window sill planters I had just emptied.

The good thing is I came home with fewer plants than I left with. No mean feat.

 

[Becky]

The good thing is I came home with fewer plants than I left with. No mean feat.

Good work! I don't think we have any plant swaps near here, it sounds like a great idea.

 

[Jewell]

We have a couple of big regional plant swaps. The Green Elephant was initiated by a church and they have three. They drew up the etiquette and posted it online. Before long other individuals/groups started their own.

It is amazing how many extra plants you have in the spring and fall after divisions and clean up. That's when most swaps are. There is even a January swap to share seeds.

Plant swaps are great for trying plants you might not have thought of, great for people new to gardening, great for getting rid of extra plants. I think they are just great . Have you ever thought of starting a plant swap in your area?

 

[Babble64]

Way to go, Jewell! I love your energy! I have several beds that need redoing, but just don't have the energy at the moment. I'm wondering if I can find a local plant swap when I do?! I've never heard of it before, but why not, right? I'm also acquainted with a woman who is a master gardener, so I have to believe I could have a little help there, if only I'd remember to ask!!

 

[ACSAPA]

That is a great idea. Not only do you get rid of your extra plant clutter, but you get new plants for free. I wish we had events like this in my city.
Even though I only do container gardening , I love my plants but they multiply and outgrow the containers. I wish I had someone local to give my baby plants to.

 

[Annetteb]

It's a shame we don't have plant swaps hrre either. We have lots of places where you can swap different items but I have never heard of them having a plant swap. It would be nice to have one because I would love to be able to get some new plants.