It sounds delicious, Francine! I have not heard of pandanus.

Basil has been challenging for me to grow from seed as well--I usually will just buy a small 3.5" pot in the herb section each spring to get it started--of course, it dies sometimes then, too! I've had better luck with the ornamental purple basils (which I really like) than the green edible ones...

Just wanted to let folks know that I did not deadhead either last season or this one (partly my desire to encourage my meadow-lawn, partly my avoidance of pain from arthritic knee and degenerating vertebrae--I admire those of you who work long hours in the garden despite this!!). Anyway, the end result is that I have lots of plants with dried seeds still on them. Anyway, I encourage people to bring their favorite seed collectors and browse around for anything of interest. I probably will not collect any seeds myself, but will let things fall to the ground and reseed as nature allows. (Although I may snip some of the cleome seed pods--just way too many of them!!)

In addition, due to a lack of deadheading last year, I also have lots of plants that have multiplied perhaps too happily and could be divided, so if anyone sees anything that interests them, please feel free to ask! I do have shovels and plastic bags.

Also, a word to the wise: I use no pesticides or herbices and love insects and biodiversity, and have only mowed in the back along certain pathways. A workman who came by recently called my backyard a 'jungle'--harumph-- clearly not someone who appreciates nature. Anyway, I would definitely suggest bringing your favorite mosquito repellant and good yard shoes.
Okay, now I've probably made it sound worse than it is! I think it's actually quite pretty, but yes there are weeds, mosquitoes, and lots of beneficial insects about. Hopefully they will stay for their usual nectar buffet so fellow-pollinator lovers can enjoy them as much as I do...

Sorry your lemon basils didn't make it! Mine did OK, but my Italian basil got munched by something when small. I'll try to start basil seedlings earlier next year so they can be hardened off before the swap.

I'm looking forward to exploring your cottage garden! (That's how I describe my gardening style, sounds much better than hodge-podge or jungle or messy garden, LOL)

Also wanted to encourage people to bring their canopies, etc, --there's limited shade tree space in the backyard, plus of course people have their choice of coming inside to the AC, or setting up their chairs in the backyard or patio in the sun.

Also wanted to mention that people are free to stay past 4--not a problem, but be forewarned I'll probably fall asleep by 11 or so.

Also wanted to ask if one or two people could bring another cooler with ice, that would be great--also if anyone has some folding tables they could bring, that would be great!

I'll put the name markers for swapped plants on the front lawn, so people can unload there, and then find parking on the street. I'll leave the back gates open so people can walk up the driveway and come right to the backyard and bring food into the kitchen through the back door.

thanks, Critter! I like to think of it as cottage gardening, too!

Also wanted to mention that people are welcome to come earlier than 12 if they would like to help get things set up!

I also wanted to let people know that I have 3 indoor-only cats, just in case anyone is allergic but thinking of taking refuge in the AC...

I've still got Cam's two big coolers, so I'll bring them. I can put a couple bags of ice into one and pack plants into the other.

thanks so much, Critter--much appreciated!

I only have a 5' folding table--not big enough for anything.
I also have 2- 9' Patio umbrellas and stands--BUT--I am always riding up with SallyG
and Robin and coleup,,Plus all our plants and stuff--so I don't think there will be room
for anything else in her SUV.
I WILL bring a folding chair for myself plus my boxes of plants. That's it.

We will make the best of it....Gita

I will bring 5 folding chairs. Do have 2 folding tables, but my car is small. TBD.

BTW--
--Did anyone ask me for the rooted, small MUMS? They bloom in October.
--Does anyone want some Creeping Jenny" I have lots of it growing from my
window boxes. They WILL overwinter if you plant them....
--I will have an abundance of seeds from "Lady-in-Red Salvias. Anyone?
--NOT yet--but when I dig them up, I will have some dark-leafed Cannas available.

Too late for my brain to think of anything else. Chat with you later....
Early work day tomorrow,,,,, Gita

I now have (1 each) Rhododendron Weston's Lemon Drop and Rhododedron Lollipop. Both are about 18" tall and 12" wide. I've been growing them for 2 years but they have been recently replaced due to my growing viburnum collection. I'm just advertising them here so if you want one or both, please put dibs via the swap tool.

I've added 1 rooted night blooming epi and 1 infant sized Butterfly Ginger root with leaves to the swap tool.

Sequoia, I'm a little embarrassed by how quickly I jumped on your 'Lollipop', but... pink, fragrant, I could not resist! I will seek out just the right spot for it, and if I can't find a great location I'll un-dibs it.

Don't be embarrassed it is a catch. I was really into deciduous azaleas at one time but now viburnums have my heart.

As long as we are giving things away---I no longer want to keep my big, "Queen's Tears".
I have now had it for close to 3 years--and it has yet to bloom. Maybe it needs more sun?
Got it from Pat back then. It was a healthy side-shoot.

It has grown big...will bring it in a big bag. Doesn't matter to me who gets it.
I don't have a picture as my camera no longer works....

First come...... Gita

@gita - if you still have, you were going to give me some ric rac cactus and Christmas cactus

Frenchie--
All my promised plants are already tagged and sorted out.
Worked for most of the day yesterday to do this.
Everything is POTTED with names attached. I get anal about this...

Not to worry.....See you Saturday--Gita

@gitagal - I think Frenchie wrote that because you'd asked for reminders...God knows I need them...LOL