Shady Swap Recap: At the Chicago Flower and Garden Show

So as it turned out the #shadyswap ended up not being as Shady as initially intended, They were nice enough to allow us to use the press room as well as a table. So that we could all sit comfortably and talk seeds. To be honest it almost gave it a school lunch effect, where the kids swap different lunch items until they get what they want. Which in a sense gave it a feel all of it's own, everyone seemed comfortable and as if we all had known eachother for quite a while. The shady swap had a great turn out; in attendance was Kylee , Xan ,  Julia , Melissa , Mr. Brown Thumb , Auntie Cara , Abbie , and Linda . With special Appearances by: Gina,  Shawna, Diane , Kylee's Wonderful Mother , and Joe L'ampl.

Everyone brought great items to the table. To see everyones individual Seed lists click on here

The Seeds i walked away with!

Scarlet Runner Beans..been wanting to grow these, and now I can.

These are the seeds that i got from the swap, most of these will be put to use in my own garden and others will be given away as seedlings to friends and family. To hopefully inspire them to garden.

One of the greatest things that I enjoyed regarding the seed swap was that after we were done, any seeds that weren't taken, were left for others to try.

In my experience Seed Swaps are fun, and they should be, being that it is a method to give/ receive seeds that will have otherwise gone unplanted. It is also a great way to try and grow something new that you might not have been willing to try otherwise. To Start a Seed Swap in your area these guidelines  have seemed to have worked perfectly as well as Fern Richardson who has also has posted great in depth information on seed swapping.

(Shady) Seed Swap List

Here is a list of what I will be bringing to the table during the Shady Swap:

Botanical Interests:

Flat Leaf Parsley, Rosemary, Danvers Carrot, Bodacious Sweet Corn, Lolla Rosa, All American Parsnip,

Ruby Red Swiss Chard, Florence Fennel

Bakers Creek Heirloom Seeds:

Shishito Peppers, Cayenne Peppers, Catskills Brussels Sprouts, Thai Chili Peppers, Katanya Watermelon,

Cherokee Trail of Tears Beans, Lao Green Stripe Eggplant, Extra Dwarf Pak Choy

Seed Savers Exchange:

Blue Poppies, Blue Lavender

I have to say, the Shady Swap at the Chicago Flower and Garden Show is going to be one of the most interesting ways that I have ever met several new people. This will sure go down in what gardenpunk has often referred to as  #yearoffirsts for me.