Afternoon y'all from rainy Maryland ! I would like to offer a suggestion that should help increase activity. I don't know that it would work for you as I don't know how close you are to each other.
Over here in the Mid-Atlantic group, we actually have in-person swaps. We use the seed swap tool here on the site. An announcement is made where the next in-person swap will be held and then interested people sign up, start posting what they have to trade and away we go!
We have an actual seed swap in January and plant swaps in April and September. For the seed swap, we meet at a buffet restaurant for the afternoon. We swap stories, experiences and, of course seeds. All of this takes a back seat though to a leisurely lunch.
For the spring and fall plant swap, we still use the seed swap tool, only we list plants instead of seeds. On the designated day, we all meet at the volunteer sucker's, I mean member's, place. Everyone signs up to bring something to pass and eat. We also encourage people to bring any extra plants they have that are in need of a new home.
For each of the swaps, we also try to set up a couple of group buys that are distributed at the swap.
These in-person events help new members and old members alike to know each other better. And of course, everyone gets something new for their gardens, usually for 'free'.
Back in the spring I took 30 requested items and ended up bringing home close to 50. This fall, I took 40 requests but only brought home 12. (Hey, I'm running out of room!
NEVER!
)
Anyway, as I said, I don't know that it would work for you as I don't know how close you are to each other. But, it's something to consider. And in-person get togethers can be used to recruit new members.. neighbors, local nursery people, etc.
Just my 2 cents.
Best of luck and to mis-quote the 80's....
Garden On Dudes and Dudetts!
