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Wish you could meet some of the people you’ve chatted with? Want a chance to swap plants, trade seeds, and “talk plants” in person with people who’ll find your begonias as fascinating as you do? You need to get together with some fellow DGers!
A good place to start is by checking your Regional Gardening Forums and the Roundup Forum to see if there are any upcoming events you could attend. What? Nothing on the horizon? Don't let that slow you down. Organize an event! Keep it simple and enlist some help, and you'll be surprised at how easily a DG gathering can come together. Remember, you're not dealing with a demanding bunch of social climbers, just a few friendly folks who want to meet up and talk plants.
Organize the Party Posts - Make Information Easy To Find
You could begin by posting an "interest" thread if you haven't picked a definite date or place for your gathering, so you can get input from potential party-goers. Once you've got the basics settled, start a new thread with all the details at the top: date, time, and location. (For security, use Dmail rather than posting information such as your phone number or directions to your home.) Give the thread a clear title, such as "Fall Plant Swap at Critter's on Sept. 20"
Reserve the top few posts of the organization thread for additional information. You may want to keep a running list of people planning to come, as well as a post explaining what people should bring (plants to trade, a food or drink item to share, etc.). A larger event may need separate threads for discussing plant swaps and for organizing party food. Be sure to put links to these threads at the top of the main organization thread and vice versa. If threads get long and need to be continued on another thread, then linking between threads is crucial.
Swapping Plants
At any gathering of gardeners, plants and seeds get shared. Even in the middle of winter, when you think people will only be swapping seeds or sharing gardening stories, people will bring plants. When you're setting up for your gathering, set aside space for plants and other unexpected items.
Trades can be arranged in advance or on the spot. Our Mid-Atlantic Forum gatherings are pretty informal, with people bringing their extra plants and seeds and going home with plenty in return. Larger swaps may need a more formal system. I've heard of people receiving tokens for the plants they bring (one or more depending on size) and then trading those tokens in turn for plants of their choosing.
Labels are very important! As well as having the name of the plant on or in the pot, including your DG name is also really helpful. That way, if the person taking your plant home has any questions about it later, they'll know who to ask. When I host a gathering, I try to provide for on-the-spot labeling and potting up, too.
Labels for people are also good. Nametags with enough space for both "real" and DG names will help conversations run smoothly. Set up an "arrival station" with nametags and pens and a big "Got a Nametag?" reminder sign.
Food & Drink
A buffet with finger foods that people can help themselves to at any time is an easy way to go. Some people may come late or have to leave early, so not having a set meal time can simplify the party planning. Finger foods are fun, and all you need for service are napkins and maybe some small paper plates.
Your party food choices will be the biggest factor in determining how much time you, the host, will spend having fun with your guests. You can spend the day behind the grill or micro-managing in the kitchen, or you can keep it simple and let everybody help. Ask everybody to bring a treat to share, and set up a buffet table to serve from. Extra serving utensils and a box of toothpicks are useful to have on hand. If I'm feeling formal, I'll get out a stack of cake plates and platters so food doesn't have to be set out in plastic containers. Picking a theme for the party can be fun, and it helps people answer that often-asked question, "what should I bring?"
Try to keep drink arrangements simple, too. Provide one beverage (like iced tea or simply ice water) in quantity, then simply ask people to bring what they'd like to drink if they want something different. That way, you don't end up with 17 two liter bottles, trying to cover everybody's preferences. If you want to do specialty drinks to go with a theme party, recruit one or two other people for bartender duty.
Spreading the party jobs around makes it play for everyone and not just all work for you. If the host has fun, everybody else enjoys the party more also.
While you're recruiting party help, don't forget cleanup detail. Ask for a couple of volunteers who are willing to linger over a cup of coffee and help clear away the aftermath. At this stage, you'll appreciate your choice of finger foods and paper goods for meal service. Check the plant swap area for "orphans," too. Zip-top bags are useful for taking home leftover goodies and for bagging up plant cuttings.
After the Swap
You've got one final thread to post after the swap. After a swap, a thread is needed for photos, stories, follow-up questions about plants, and general chatter. The photos and stories just keep that wonderful camaraderie going and also draw in people who wish they could have been there but couldn't make it.
If you plan it, they will come!
I hope you're feeling encouraged and empowered about putting together your own local DG gathering. Even if you're able to attend one or more of the larger DG roundups, you need something like this to tide you over in between!
Keep it simple, and you'll keep it fun. Host a Plant Party!
Do you have tips and suggestions for hosting a DG gathering? Want to chat about the possibilities? Please, post a thread after this article.
Thanks to Becky for the photo used in the thumbnail image at the top of the article, and to Gitagal for the photos used to show the buffet dishes on my counter and our bartender in action. Other photos are by the author.
About Jill M. Nicolaus
Better known as "Critter" on DG, Jill gardens in Frederick, MD. My irises are bloomed out, but the daylilies are just getting started! Our front porch robins are busy fetching worms for their second crop of babies. I love summer!
(Images in my articles are from my photos, unless otherwise credited.)
Posted by Candyce (from The Monadnock Region, NH) on October 13, 2008 at 01:51 PM:
Hey there, Jill!
We just held a 'local' Round Up this last weekend!
We held it at my home in the southwest corner of New Hampshire, and about 10 DG members arrived on Saturday from different New England states ... one even from as far away as New York!
We had fingerfoods, coffee, water, and lots of live plant and seed trading. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, so we were all quite content to be out of doors and not have to pull a single weed!!
Just wanted you to know that we had a BLAST!!
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 13, 2008 at 03:55 PM:
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing about it here. I love your comment about enjoying being outside without pulling weeds!
We had gorgeous weather for the RU here last month also. :-)
...
Subject: Thanks!
Posted by wind (from Mount Laurel, NJ) on October 09, 2008 at 10:18 PM:
Hi Jill (Critter),
I hope to join you at one of your DG parties/swaps one of these years! I live just a bit far enough from you, that makes it tough for me to make it. Thank you for sharing your tips on how to throw a plant party. I just may try it in the future :)
~Diana
ps: I love the cake you have in your article...did you make that?
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 10:34 PM:
I hope you do try a local DG gathering -- you'll have a blast! I'll try to come... but the same distance issues apply... dang it, we need to be just a little bit closer to one another!
Chantell's talented daughter made the cake for us. :-)
...
Subject: Hey You!
Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on October 09, 2008 at 09:38 PM:
Remember me??
Great article!
;~)
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 09:41 PM:
TC! As if I could forget... LOL
We need to get you down to another MidAtlantic event! :-)
...
Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on October 09, 2008 at 10:32 PM:
When's the next one? ;~)
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 10:34 PM:
February.
:-)
...
Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on November 01, 2008 at 08:45 PM:
Really?? Won't there be snow on the ground??
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on November 01, 2008 at 10:10 PM:
LOL Could be.
Last year we did a midwinter seed swap and met at a Chinese buffet here in town, using their back room. :-)
I'm planning to do it again... considering logistics and whether to try to work in a "winter sowing clinic" here at the house afterward.
...
Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on December 08, 2008 at 08:45 AM:
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on December 08, 2008 at 10:16 AM:
I think the closest I've come to "blogging" so far is writing these weekly articles! and posting on the forums, of course.
Thanks for the link!
...
Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on December 22, 2008 at 09:57 AM:
You're most welcome. Now stop in some time and leave a comment! ;~)
TC
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on December 22, 2008 at 10:39 AM:
Merry Christmas, TC!
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Posted by tcfromky (from Mercer, PA) on January 26, 2009 at 11:36 PM:
And a belated Happy New Year!
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on January 27, 2009 at 09:20 AM:
Hey, the next party is on the schedule! Feb 21, here in Frederick. Look for the threads with purple crocus thumbnails on the Mid-Atlantic forum.
:-)
...
Subject: Ahhhhh Jill...
Posted by Chantell (from Middle of, VA) on October 09, 2008 at 01:04 PM:
...ya done good...as always!!! Have the bestest time with ya'll!!!! ALWAYS look forward to our get togethers!!!
Hugs!!!
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Posted by msrobin (from Caneyville, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 08:43 PM:
Ditto! What a great idea and how wonderful you shared everything we need to know to set one up! Robin
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 09:02 PM:
Thanks! Whether or not anybody follows the suggestions I outlined, I hope people will come away with the idea that it doesn't have to be difficult or stressful to put together a DG gathering... keep it easy, and keep it fun! :-)
...
Posted by postmandug (from Bardstown, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 09:32 PM:
Next Spring right Robin?
Doug
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Posted by msrobin (from Caneyville, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 10:54 PM:
Doug, next spring for sure! :)
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Subject: Nice
Posted by phicks (from Lakeland, FL) on October 09, 2008 at 11:00 AM:
Good Article Paul
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 12:25 PM:
Thanks, Paul! Hope to see you at the next one... ;-)
...
Posted by phicks (from Lakeland, FL) on October 09, 2008 at 12:35 PM:
You Might
...
Posted by Dutchlady1 (from Naples, FL) on October 09, 2008 at 04:44 PM:
Really useful article, thanks.
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 09:04 PM:
Thanks! I hope it'll inspire a few more local get-togethers to help tide us all over between the larger regional RUs!
Paul, you'd be a welcome guest any time, whether or not there's a DG party on my calendar... and if you give me a little advance notice, we'll throw a party in your honor! :-)
...
Subject: Round ups
Posted by CountryGardens (from Lewisville, MN) on October 09, 2008 at 07:45 AM:
Thanks Jill for this article.
As a long time Round Up goer, it's good to have an article on them & what they are.
I hosted the 3rd annual Southern MN RU in September. I was surprised when I sent the invitations the number of people who hadn't heard of Round Ups.
I have attended Iowa RU the past 4 years.
The first was in Des Moines, Iowa. I hadn't met any of the people before the night we arrived at the motel. There was a board in the lobby with some information. Hanging there was a note with my DG name on it. It instructed us to come to the restaurant in the motel for supper. We rushed to our room, dropped our bags, freshened a bit & headed for the restaurant. When we walked in, we saw this huge table of people. I thought, "Oh a wedding party". But no, it was Daves bunch! Arlene, (TwinLakesChef), came over to greet us & introduced us to all there. (She has remained a good friend ever since.)
My life has been different ever since. Full of many long distance friends & fellow gardeners. Much more interesting posting on Daves when you have met people personally.
3 weeks ago we traveled to Kentucky to the KY RU at Prizer Point. This has to be the highlight of my time on Daves.
We stopped for an overnight visit at Equilibrium's near Chicago.
On Thursday we drove on to Kentucky, arriving later than planned. We weren't there but a few minutes when there was a knock on our door. I opened the door & there stood "Roadrunner", (Jo).
Of course a big DG hug was in order.
Friday morning we hosted breakfast at our cottage for all that had arrived so far. (My wife had complained about going on vacation & having to cook for a bunch of people. I told her there would probably be lots of help. I was right! All the ladies were right there to help.) We brought eggs from our hens along & pork sausage from a meat man at our Farmers market. Everybody really enjoyed themselves..
Saturday more people arrived. Terry from the staff, some of the people that have been on Daves forever, plus a few newer members.
Food was potluck & tremendous.
A large plant swap was held. I didn't bring plants along to trade, but still had some to take home!
This was the most fun & caring group of people I've ever met. They all went out of their way to make us feel at home.
Needless to say, we will be back next year!
For more go to, http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/906753/
Pictures, http://davesgarden.com/community/forums/t/904675/
I believe half my flowers in my garden are from DG RU swaps. Some are things that would cost many $ at a nursery. What a great way to enjoy & share life!
Have a Great Day!
Bernie
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 07:53 AM:
What a great event! Thanks for sharing your experiences, Bernie. I really want to juggle my schedule and make it to one of the big regional RUs. Other than the wonderful weekend that Haighr hosted (my first RU!), the "plant party" events we've had locally have been one-day affairs. That's still great fun (and easier to organize, I'm sure), but the party always seems to be over too soon! :-)
I'd definitely encourage anybody who can to check out the RoundUp forum for an RU event they might be able to attend. And to get you through those long months between the big RUs... throw a smaller party!
...
Posted by youngershirl (from Orange Park, FL) on October 09, 2008 at 10:15 AM:
Thanks Jill for ideas. I just hosted a "Meet and Greet" for Jacksonville, and the surrounding areas. We had about 20 show up, with plants, cuttings, and seeds. I had arranged a garden tour of one of my neighbors yards, and also had one of our Master Gardeners from the area speak. Guest were asked to bring a plant in a closed bag, each guest was given a number, and then in numerical order they could pick a plant of their choosing. If the next guest up decided they wanted a plant someone else had choosen they were allowed to take it. At the end of the game we all opened the bags and saw our newly acquired plants. It was alot of fun. For a gag, you could even put a weed in the bag. Each guest brought a dessert to share and I provided the drinks and paper products. Everyone left with more than they brought and I got all the leftovers, which was great! Alot of fun and a great way to meet new gardeners.
...
Posted by postmandug (from Bardstown, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 10:26 AM:
I wholeheartedly agree with Bernie. I was one of those newbies at the KY Roundup this year and I had a wonderful time meeting all the people I had chatted with on various forums since joining DG in March. Great plants, great food and most importantly great people. I would encourage anyone that has not attended one of these be it for one day or a weekend like ours to try it. Thanks for the article Jill.
Doug
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 09, 2008 at 12:24 PM:
Fun idea with the grab bags! Thanks for the feedback. :-)
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Posted by roadrunner (from Hereford, AZ) on October 09, 2008 at 09:10 PM:
Another note: After you decide to hold a get together...Dmail me and let me list it in the "Round Ups At a Glance" Thread....then floks can see if one is planned in their area.
Bernie and Doug...It was a real pleasure to meet both of you..I would have enjoyed it even if you HADN'T brought any fudge!! I LOVE RU's!!! Jo
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Posted by postmandug (from Bardstown, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 09:18 PM:
Jo you're so precious!
Doug
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Posted by CountryGardens (from Lewisville, MN) on October 09, 2008 at 09:25 PM:
I couldn't of said it better myself!
Bernie
...
Posted by postmandug (from Bardstown, KY) on October 09, 2008 at 09:27 PM:
I love all of you DG'ers. I have learned so much and met so many friends on this site in less than a year it's simply amazing...
Doug
...
Posted by JasperDale (from Long Beach, CA) on October 10, 2008 at 01:43 AM:
This article should be "mandatory reading" for all new DG members !
Not necessarily for hosting a get together, but for ATTENDING one as well.
I was extremely nervous about going to my first DG gathering, held at the home of TwinLakes Chef, because I didn't know a single soul who would be there. My "fears" disappeared the minute I spoke to Arlene on the phone, prior to the event.
It was a GREAT experience and I have now met many new friends and GREAT people. THANKS, Arlene !!!
For anyone who has "reservations" about attending a DG gathering or a RU...JUST GO ! You'll be glad you did.
Great article, Jill !
...
Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 10, 2008 at 09:53 AM:
You're right! DGers are just such friendly, generous, welcoming people... a DG party or RU is a much more easy-going sort of event than many other club or civic organization meetings, but until you get up the nerve to "just go!" to one, you may be nervous. Once you meet some of your fellow plantaholics, those jitters will disappear!
My first RU was a weekend event at haighr's place... I rode up with Shirley1MD, whom I'd never met before, and we were chatting like old friends by the time we got up there. Everyone was greeting with hugs, whether or not we'd ever met in person before, and it was just such an amazing experience. If I could've signed up for a lifetime subscription to DG after that weekend, I'd have done so!
Jo, thanks for reminding us about your "Roundups at a glance" thread. I posted our most recent plant party in the RU forum, but I forgot about the thread! (*wrist slap* and no fudge for me!)
...
Posted by KaperC (from No. San Diego Co., CA) on October 10, 2008 at 04:01 PM:
JD - you, nervous? LOL
JD was one of the first DGers I met at my first RU. Now I'm planning my own for March! Great article, Jill. I too am surprised at how many people don't know about these shindigs and how casual, friendly, and non-threatening they are. I'm not much of a propagator, but I take what I can and try to help in other ways, too. I'll be reading all the responses to get ideas.
...
Posted by roadrunner (from Hereford, AZ) on October 10, 2008 at 06:26 PM:
...and like the nice lady she is, Kathleen just Dmailed me to post her RU...Thanks, Kat. Jo
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Posted by KaperC (from No. San Diego Co., CA) on October 10, 2008 at 06:33 PM:
Awww...you're so sweet, Jo. That doesn't mean you don't get more chocolate, though!
...
Posted by beclu727 (from Dacula, GA) on October 11, 2008 at 09:23 AM:
This article was very good and is helping me plan for my "mini-roundup" on 11/8. I love roundups and have made new friends and gotten many great plants.
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Posted by critterologist (from Frederick, MD) on October 11, 2008 at 09:27 AM:
I'm glad you found some useful tips. I'm sure your mini-RU will be a blast! :-)
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Posted by madym03 (from Davidson, NC) on October 13, 2008 at 10:38 AM:
I'm new. How do I find out about these roundups in my area?
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Posted by CountryGardens (from Lewisville, MN) on October 13, 2008 at 10:44 AM:
A good place to start is by checking your Regional 
Swapping Plants
A buffet with finger foods that people can help themselves to at any time is an easy way to go. Some people may come late or have to leave early, so not having a set meal time can simplify the party planning. Finger foods are fun, and all you need for service are napkins and maybe some small paper plates. 
Your party food choices will be the biggest factor in determining how much time you, the host, will spend having fun with your guests. You can spend the day behind the grill or micro-managing in the kitchen, or you can keep it simple and let everybody help. Ask everybody to bring a treat to share, and set up a buffet table to serve from. Extra serving utensils and a box of toothpicks are useful to have on hand. If I'm feeling formal, I'll get out a stack of cake plates and platters so food doesn't have to be set out in plastic containers. Picking a theme for the party can be fun, and it helps people answer that often-asked question, "what should I bring?"
Provide one beverage (like iced tea or simply ice water) in quantity, then simply ask people to bring what they'd like to drink if they want something different. That way, you don't end up with 17 two liter bottles, trying to cover everybody's preferences. If you want to do specialty drinks to go with a theme party, recruit one or two other people for bartender duty. 
After the Swap
