Weekly Swap on Saturdays in Autumn
Posted by Shannon
eggplant paperweight
We’ll be holding a plant swap every Saturday at 10 am sharp on the Plum Street Mall until the weather or the harvest succumbs to fall.
In Chinese five element tradition, so I’ve heard, there are actually five seasons: Winter, Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Fall. Autumn is the season of the harvest and gathering, and Fall is the season of falling (as in leaf fall) and letting go. I have remembered this for years because it really struck a chord with me.
Do come at 10 so we can begin swapping shortly thereafter. Some folks have asked if the swap is a negotiated trade or just a “bring one, take one.” For now we are certainly in the spirit of “bring what feels right, and take what feels right.” I encourage you, however, to use the comments of this blog to ask around, especially if you are digging up a plant that you could otherwise leave in the ground.
For example: I might post in the comments, “Does anybody want some bee balm?” and see if there is a response. If there is none, then there is certainly no guarantee that there will be a taker for that item. That said, every plant and veggie and fruit and seed found a home last weekend, and I suspect this trend will continue.
So… what are folks thinking about bringing this week?
September 10th, 2009 at 1:29 pm
I might bring some fern transplants to trade. It is a good time to dig them up and get them into their new homes for fall, and I sure have a lot of them. Probably some more jalapenos as well!
September 10th, 2009 at 6:22 pm
I’m very interested in ferns! But I have a few already so I won’t be greedy.
If anyone wants more, I’ll bring more hosta. I was also thinking about bringing some nasturtium as well as the beautiful gaillardia “oranges and lemons” seeds, or maybe even some cut flowers. Full transplants of those will have to wait until next year.
September 11th, 2009 at 5:18 pm
I think I’ll be bringing lemongrass.
If there is interest, I will get ready to divide my lemongrass. It did very well, and it will be time to dig it up and bring it inside pretty soon. I’m not sure I will get to it this weekend, but will need to do it in the next few weeks.
Does anyone want some perennial verbena cuttings? I need to trim them back, too.
I’m looking for more groundcovers – pachysandra, vinca, ornamental strawberry, bishopsweed (or whatever that was you gave me, Marie)
September 19th, 2009 at 7:16 pm
OK — I never seem to be free Saturday mornings. I would welcome contact via email (ellenmor@comcast.net) if anyone wants any of the following:
A soaker hose
Soaker hose ring for shrubs/trees
Lemongrass (cut for cooking or divided — my clump is small, but more than I need)
Chives (same as above)
Mint — can’t remember the type (same as above — but the clump’s not so small!)
Thyme (cooking only)
Hosta — lots of plain green, but some fancy ones too
Lysmachia — the creeping chartruese one. Awesome ground cover
Vinca minor or English Ivy
Gooseneck Loosestrife
Black-eyed Susan
Catmint (not nip)