Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
General Subjects => Plants Wanted Or For Exchange => Topic started by: mark smyth on October 12, 2008, 06:48:15 PM
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While driving today a thought popped in to my head.
How many people have swapped with another forum member?
No need to name the person or what you swapped
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I have.
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Mark, I would be surprised if there are folks who have not swapped!! 8)
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I have!
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ME TOO :D
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More than I can remember! ..... Anne did you get the narcissus I sent recently? ;)
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It's what makes the world go round. :)
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Me too, and I know all the Aussie members have.
I have a particular attitude to swapping/giving plant material. It is this.
If I am given something by someone else, I return the favour if possible, but sometmimes I have nothing that person wants so the giving is only one way. But then, I can often give to a third person who has nothing I want, so in effect, while the "swapping" isn't necessarily A to B then B to A, if it's A to B, B to C, C to D and so on, the system still works. So many Forum members have been generous to me and I can't always return the favour but if I can pass something along to yet another person, I feel I'm taking a proper part.
I also think that doing a favour is just that (whether swapping, doing a service or whatever) and IS NOT a favour if a return is expected or required. I really hate the "you owe me one" comment we hear so often in TV drama. How can it be a favour if it has to be paid for? I prefer to think of a favour as something given freely and willingly with NO expectation of return or payment.
You probably didn't expect all that Mark, did you?
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I promised to give someone a couple of Dactylorhiza tubers when I lifted the clump to divide in exchange for a couple of his. In the end I didnt lift the two plants. Because of the rubbish weather I wasnt motivated. This week I had an email demanding the tubers.
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Mark,
Loads of people have given me stuff.
It would be nice to name them, but I realise that could cause them embarrassment.
I have been sent seeds and plants of things that are otherwise unobtainable.
Some of them are prominent forum members, others hardly make an appearance on these pages, but offer something all the same.
I think the nicest is when a person has a particular passion for a particular cultivar or species and is determined to 'pass it on'.
They always ask how their 'baby' is doing!
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There should be a clear understanding, and I'm sure there IS, between most of us, that such arrangements are subject to the offering setting seed, or making new growth or the damn thing not dying in the meantime etc. Likewise, that while I hope to send you this very soon, it could be next year, or in two years or as soon as possible. We have to live in hope, after all, or what's the point of living at all?
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Many many times
excellent too
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I agree with the above. I enjoy sharing plants with others, and realise that there are many who don't have as many plants as I do. There often isn't anything a beginner can offer that I haven't already got. When I was starting up, many people gave me plants that I couldn't adequately repay them for, and they didn't expect it. Now I am repaying those debts by passing on the favour.
On this forum, I'm back in the position of often not being able to offer a suitable swap, so am very grateful for those more expert than I who send me things.
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100 % agreement from me, Anne!
In the beginning I was the one who received many, many good plants from forum members without being able to give
comparable plants in return. This helped me to built up my little crocus collection and today I'm trying to be as generous
to newbies with my plants.
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I am still an overall receiver of plants from generous forum members. This is mainly because I don't have the species or quality to directly return the favours. In return I try to donate as much as possible to more local club sales and raffles etc. and hope that I am starting to reach some sort of balance.
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Me too, and I know all the Aussie members have.
I have a particular attitude to swapping/giving plant material. It is this.
If I am given something by someone else, I return the favour if possible, but sometmimes I have nothing that person wants so the giving is only one way. But then, I can often give to a third person who has nothing I want, so in effect, while the "swapping" isn't necessarily A to B then B to A, if it's A to B, B to C, C to D and so on, the system still works. So many Forum members have been generous to me and I can't always return the favour but if I can pass something along to yet another person, I feel I'm taking a proper part.
I also think that doing a favour is just that (whether swapping, doing a service or whatever) and IS NOT a favour if a return is expected or required. I really hate the "you owe me one" comment we hear so often in TV drama. How can it be a favour if it has to be paid for? I prefer to think of a favour as something given freely and willingly with NO expectation of return or payment.
You probably didn't expect all that Mark, did you?
Lesley pretty much summed it up for me. I have received so many things from people who I can never repay, so I try to pass on stuff as often as possible to share the joy around. Sometimes my stupid health has got in the way, but if I am trading then I fully intend to repay it, even if sometimes it does take a little longer than planned.
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This has got to be an interesting thread. I only expected a few word answers but it's great
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As a bit of a beginner I have been overwhelmed by the generosity of various forum members. Initially I felt badly that I could not return favours, until Lesley said much the same as she has done earlier on in this thread. This gave me heart that at some time, somewhere, someone who had been more than generous to me would receive something 'in return' from a third party who I had sent something to in the past - thus 'repaying' the favour. In our present society it is a marvellous thing to be part of the generosity of this group, so of course I actually had to join the SRGC, although there is very little possibility of becoming an 'active' member in the flesh as it were 8)
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SRGC forum = generosity !!
Lots has been said above that I also experienced !
Obviously I've swapped too - but I've also been sent lots of beautiful stuff when I couldn't return the favour... and the other way around.... And all that makes this forum so unique !
It's great to be a member of this worldwide community !! :D
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so of course I actually had to join the SRGC, although there is very little possibility of becoming an 'active' member in the flesh as it were
Brian, it is great that you did join the SRGC, for otherwise how would the Club support the website and Forum ? ::) ??? As for not being an "active" member.... the forumists number, as of today, some 650 members.... this constitutes BY FAR the largest Group of all the SRGC members....... 8) ....So all you busy posting forumists are taking as active a part in SRGC affairs as any member of any "real" geographical Group, and are helping to spread the name of the SRGC around the world as you do so.... that's a pretty significant level of activity in MY book! :-* :-*
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I'm only a member of this forum for a bit more than one year and I've already swapped with a lot of people.
The members of this forum are really generous. So a big thank you too all of you.
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the forumists number, as of today, some 656 members.... this constitutes BY FAR the largest Group of all the SRGC members
Hooray for all of us whether forum or group members. ;D
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I have been swapping and giving for years, and I like to give plants to beginners. When I was showing I used to give all my plants away to anyone who was interested after the show especially beginners. The look of surprise and disbelief on their face is worth anything.
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Yes, I've benefited from the generosity of many members of this Forum to whom I shall be ever grateful.
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The members of this forum are really generous. So a big thank you too all of you.
And to you too Wim. :)
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What comes around goes around!!
Its good to see that garden plants are passed onto the younger generation and keeps the gardening world going.
Cheers and thanks :)
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i've been member here also for a rather short while... and i've been overwhelmed by the generosity of all the responses! I only wish I can sometimes return the favor by helping someone with something that causes as much joy as the ones that I've recieved... =O)
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I agree with all that has been said. Lesley summed it up very well.
One problem is that the plant, seed or whatever that one is pleased to give away is unripe or otherwise not fit for sending for maybe several months.
I always ask that I be reminded because #A: I tend to forget #B: The eagerly waiting person might have got it from another source in the meantime.
I think we have to be tolerant to reminders.
Fritillaria Camtschatkensis anyone?? ;D
Göte
PS
The FC is nearly a weed in my place. However one man's weed is another man's rose.
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I agree with Gote, reminders can be very helpful. I keep a folder with promises made for future corms, seeds etc, but a reminder is welcome in case I forget to put it in the folder. :) ::)
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I agree with Gote, reminders can be very helpful. I keep a folder with promises made for future corms, seeds etc, but a reminder is welcome in case I forget to put it in the folder. :) ::)
I keep a list... it's just a problem sometimes to find the list ::) :P :-[ :'(
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Notes stuck on the back of one of my kitchen cupboard doors - works for me (unless someone hasn't got something I promised??).
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I agree with Gote, reminders can be very helpful. I keep a folder with promises made for future corms, seeds etc, but a reminder is welcome in case I forget to put it in the folder. :) ::)
I keep a list... it's just a problem sometimes to find the list ::) :P :-[ :'(
Maggi I am sure it is not under the chocolate cake.
Derek
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Like David Shaw, I'm just starting out and haven't yet managed to get to the level where what I've received have matured to the extent where I can share in return. I do want to thanks those who have been generous and hopefully it won't be long before I'm in a position to share as well.
Rob
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Maggi,
I haven't forgotten - I just move at a very slow pace.
Paddy
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Paddy.... you may not have forgotten but I have.... what is it? :o ::) ???
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You'll have to wait and see now, won't you!
Paddy
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I agree with all your comments.
SRGC is a reference to me, full of of expert growers and this is why to me it's a pleasure to send seeds, receiving anything in exchange or not. The most important to me is to foment the species collecting seeds to make it easy to obtain wild species without damaging natural populations.
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Have been off air for a while so I am have missed the SRGC forum - but I have got much weeding, mowing and general cleaning up done.
I agree too that if you give you always receive in response - as Lesley said not necessarily with the one you received seed etc from. My garden is full of plants that remind me of so many. I do not visit garden centres very much at all.
Seed of plants are always coming on - or sitting there!
I just hope that I can repay some of the generosity I have received at some time in the future.
This is certainly the most active and most interesting forum that I am on.
Pat T
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There are some incredibly generous members on this splendid forum ... and long may it and they continue!!!
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A list! a list! a kingdom for a list ;)
Many years ago some people used to tie a knot in their handkerchief to remind them, The difficulty was to remember the handkerchief ;D
And what the knot meant ;D ;D
My problem is that I subscribe to the adage:
Do not postpone until tomorrow what your mother can do for you the day after ;D ;D ;D
And that includes making notes.
Another problem is to remember which list was used last ???.
Someone who eagerly wants a plant is not unlikely to get it from some other source in the six months it may take for me to find the bulb.
No list will help that. Also I think that if someone is not eager enough to send me a reminder I am not eager enough to send the plant.
I am really happy to send something to someone who appreciates it and I do not require anything back or any payment But I think that a reminder is a good sign that the plant WILL be appreciated.
Thank you again all you generous people
Göte.
By the way should we post lists (ahum) of plants that we have in reasonable numers and which are next to never seen in nurseries??
Like in my case Adoxa moschatellina and Trientalis europea.
Or should SRGC keep some kind of member's plantfinder??
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Fritillaria Camtschatkensis anyone?? ;D
Göte
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The FC is nearly a weed in my place. However one man's weed is another man's rose.
Gote,
I think I'm going to have to kill you now you've told us that. :o Oh to have that problem here. That said, my bulb of it is currently in bud.... a lovely dark form that usually produces 2 or 3 flowers on the stem each year, always a single stem. Then again I am guessing I appreciate that one stem a little more than you do your weeds at the time (we always, wherever we are, treasure the single, rare and special plants don't we? ;)). But I could easily live with sacrificing that bit of appreciation if I could have it behave like a bit of a weed here!! ;D
And while we're talking trades.... Pat, the hellebore has just sent up a second new leaf, so I think it has settled in just fine and dandy. Hopefully your stuff has settled in OK too?
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Paul,
I believel you are far enough away so I will not fear for my life - and should you arrive, I know what to bribe you with ;D
I grow mine as woodlander in semi-shade. they multiply by stolons about 2 inches long. I have never tried in a pot.
The situation is one that would grow Rhododendron well. Your climate is so different so this info may be of little use to you
I recently got a yellow as well. It differs in flower shape being bell shaped whereas the blackish is keg-shaped. It also multiplies by stolons.
Göte
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Hi
I have also received seeds from some generous forumists. By now I just have a very few seeds and are very comun, so I did not sent anything yet. I'm in debt with them and I hope to can repay one day.
As I'm in the start of my species colection, it's a great event when I receive new seeds and I'm so grateful for that.
I also want to say that I've learned a lot in this forum and that it's a pleasure to be here.
Cris
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Whilst on the topic of sharing plant material let us remember that donations to the Seed Exchange and Small Bulb Exchange (Discussion W/E) are just as valuable even though we do hope to get something in return.
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This must just about be the longest thread with no pictures :'( so I thought I'd include a couple, just to remind that buttercup man what will be wending its way to him in a month or so.
I visited my favourite nursery yesterday - well, the ONLY alpine nursery we have left now but even when we had a dozen it was still by far my favourite - and found a large batch of the stunning Ranunculus godleyanus in glorious flower. Mine is in bud but I bought a couple of extras as insurance and because one had a short stem with several flowers and a seed head developing already. Enjoy Cliff. ;D
[attachthumb=1]
[attachthumb=2]
There was also a large batch of seedling plants from R. buchananii x lyallii. 3 now live with me and we shall see what we shall see, in due course.
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Oh my ...
Oh my...
Oh my...
Be still my beating heart ...
Absolutely GLORIOUS!! Many thanks for making my day, Lesley! :D
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I thought you might like them Cliff. I saw them in my sleep and woke to see them shining through my window. Oh no, it was the sun. 8)
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Lesley - What a charmer it is!
johnw
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It certainly is. I've looked at my original a few minutes ago and there seems to be seed setting there too. It's quite hard to tell until the achenes start to swell up but if there's plenty, would you like to try it?
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They are just beautiful, Lesley. No listing in our 2007/8 Plantfinder though. Pity.
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Paul all plants are looking fine. Yes my division of the variegated hellebore means I have two good pots now.
Pat
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What is the small bulb exchange?
Göte
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It certainly is. I've looked at my original a few minutes ago and there seems to be seed setting there too. It's quite hard to tell until the achenes start to swell up but if there's plenty, would you like to try it?
Thanks but I'm afraid it's most likely hopelessly tender for here.
johnw
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What is the small bulb exchange?
Göte
the small bulb exchange takes place at the SRGC Discussion weekend each year, after the first lecture, which is traditionally one relating to dwarf bulbs in one way or another. People bring daughter bulbs, or bulbils/rice to swap amongst the donors, then everyone present may buy what's left ( and there is usually quite a lot to choose from) for a small amount per packet.
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takes place at the SRGC Discussion weekend
Another good reason to make tracks up north! :-\
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Brian, bless you, lad, how easily you take a hint!!
The Bulb Despot has been making noises about organising a Forumists' Get together AT a Discussion Weekend, so that we can take advantage of a good crowd of folks to add to our party atmosphere......tack on some extras on the Sunday/Monday, or Thursday/Friday........ it could work, I reckon...... ::) 8)
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I'd be interested in one of those Ranunculus if they are coming this way. Are they tuberous?
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Brian, bless you, lad, how easily you take a hint!!
The Bulb Despot has been making noises about organising a Forumists' Get together AT a Discussion Weekend, so that we can take advantage of a good crowd of folks to add to our party atmosphere......tack on some extras on the Sunday/Monday, or Thursday/Friday........ it could work, I reckon...... ::) 8)
As a happily retired person, it would make sense to spend more time up North among like-minded folk. 8)
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Good idea Maggi but Thursday night suits me better
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The Ranunculus godleyanus should be hardy as old boots in that it is the highest growing plant recorded in New Zealand, over 9000ft (Mt Cook, our highest, is 12,300 ft approx) though I guess it has good snow cover in winter. It is herbaceous, not bulbous but tends to be evergreen, i.e. not losing its foliage in winter. I'll see what seed sets before making any promises. :)
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Lesley,
Do you know if the Ranunc is available over here in Aus? I just love it, but also realise that it might not take our heat in summer unfortunately. ::)
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Lesley, that Ranunculus is just fantastic.. I would love to grow it in my garden :)
And,Yes, I have swapped seeds and plants with forum members and also lots of other friends around the world. It's great fun.
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Paul I'd be very surprised if the buttercup is around in Australia but then, I'm constantly being surprised. Magnar - and Paul - I'll add your names to a growing list. I just hope it makes LOTS of seed. I would expect the Norwegian climate would suit it very well. Louise and Peter had a dozen or so flowering plants at the DBG Rhodo Day jolly today (I was there at 7.30am and spent almost $200 in 15 mins! :) :'()
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I too. Thanks for all generous people of this forum who don't hesit to send some fine plants even I cannot always send so rare ones. It is actived by a special state of mind which takes its roots in the generosity.
Dom
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Paul I'd be very surprised if the buttercup is around in Australia but then, I'm constantly being surprised. Magnar - and Paul - I'll add your names to a growing list. I just hope it makes LOTS of seed. I would expect the Norwegian climate would suit it very well. Louise and Peter had a dozen or so flowering plants at the DBG Rhodo Day jolly today (I was there at 7.30am and spent almost $200 in 15 mins! :) :'()
Lesley,
Thanks kindly. However, given that it is quite unusual it is perhaps best that you send available seed to those in climates that are more suited to it than mine, and then to me if you happen to have any left over. With such a commodity it is more important to get it to people who are likely to be successful with it (and therefore potentially able to spread it around as well in the future) and only after that to people in climates like mine where summer heat is likely to become a problem I would imagine. I'd love to grow it, but would hate to lose it and have deprived someone of seed who COULD have been growing it properly.
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I have, but I'm equally happy to part with something I have more than 1 of (must increase that number :-\) just for the pleasure of it.
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so far I only swapped once as I do not have much in return yet. ;)
that is...I must wait a few months and then I get my plant,in flower I think.
I am patient :P
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I joined last year and did a fair bit of swapping [ ;D begging]. Everyone was very kind.
Gerry
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More than swapping, I was generous given many plants. I find all members of this forum willing to help and share with others. Yet, I was a bit unable to really thank for what was don for me, but that may change this year. If there is anybody who have way to Tarzanska Lomnica, may send me a PM.
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I haven't swapped jet. Not in this forum that is.
My opinion is. Gardeners will go someday, so do gardens. The plants we shared are the happy footprints of our gardening time.
At the moment I have only some lilium seeds to share. Species: pumilum, bulbiferum bulbiferum, auratum and a hybrid (siberia x casablanca)
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i will agree with earlier sentiments: there are some very gernerous folk who sent me things even without me begging ;) in some cases, i do not have things to send them in return, then there are others with whom i will do 2 way swapping, and some to whom i am sending things without asking anything in return--so hopefully, overall it will about balance out :)
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It does indeed balance out Cohan. A sends to B who sends to C who sends to D who sends to A. Which reminds me that I have cuttings ready to go to Bulgaria, Canada and Scotland this week. Will be in touch privately. :)
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On a slightly negative note.
Usually swapping with forum members is a pleasure, but I do find on odd occasions that forum members can be rather rude by not even acknowleging plants/bulbs /seeds have arrived even after emails to check on this . >:( >:( >:( As for a swap !!!!!!!!!!!!!! not a chance. :-X
Eric
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Eric,
Sorry to hear of your bad experiences.
I have had many, many gifts of plants and many exchanges also and have had only one experience as you describe. On balance, and it's an overwhelming balance, my experiences have been very positive and pleasurable and it is certainly something I would continue.
Paddy
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I have had a few bad experiences (one very bad ) but most have been good, say 90% good 10% bad,but I would still say it is a worthwhile experience.
I have got lots of plants and bulbs that I would have difficulty obtaining elsewhere, and one soon gets over the disappointments.
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Sorry to hear that others have had bad experiences too.
Perhaps I am old fasioned, but the minimum I would expect is a simple "thankyou" after someone has chased you to send them plants.
Eric
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Eric,
One would certainly expect that basic level of courtesy. Sorry to hear you have not received it but there are many perfectly genuine swappers on the forum also.
Paddy
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Sorry to hear that others have had bad experiences too.
Perhaps I am old fasioned, but the minimum I would expect is a simple "thankyou" after someone has chased you to send them plants.
Eric
i don't think that's an unreasonable minimum expectation! hopefully the positive experiences will outweigh the bad eggs, overall...
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I herewith apologize for any lack of acknowledgement.
I have sent to a large number of people and received from many (I have an export surplus ;D )
However, I have up to a quarter hundred of e-mails coming in every day but I am not there to read all days.
(Is not a quarter hundred a much larger figure than a mere 25?? ;D )
I might well have overlooked an incoming mail
I might well have confused who of all correspondents who sent me some seed.
(Quite number of posters post under pseudonym and that is confusing)
I might well have lost the address.
I might have forgotten who should have the seed or whatever.
I might have had a crop failuere.
mea culpa mea maxima culpa
Göte
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But I DO answer inquiries if I forgot to acknowledge.
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OK Gote,
No need to beat yourself up. All is forgiven.
Paddy
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well, yes, gote, but i don't think forgetful or preoccupied (which i'm sure many of us are) is the same as rude-- if you respond to an inquiry, that's the key..
my biggest culpa is being slow to get the darn seed packaged and out the door! :-[
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I have a file named ,Forum Members Requests, and when any member asks for something I enter their name and address and the name of the plant or seed requested and the date. When the plant or seed is ready I send them a PM telling them that I intend to send by first post Monday morning ( I always post on Monday morning to allow for delivery before the weekend) and ask them to advise me when they have taken delivery. (THEY USUALLY DO) I then put dispatched and the date after their name on the file. If I have the plant or seed to hand at the time of the request I post it the following Monday morning. This system works fine for me and is almost foolproof.
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But you are wonderfully organized Michael. I can identify with Cohan's problem. Seed is harvested then has to be cleaned and packeted then sent. Gentiana went out last week but Saponaria and a snowdrop bulb are still to go. Later today or tomorrow I hope. I too have the folder with Forumist's requests (or my promises) but sometimes I forget to make the relevant entry :'(
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But you are wonderfully organized Michael. I can identify with Cohan's problem. Seed is harvested then has to be cleaned and packeted then sent. Gentiana went out last week but Saponaria and a snowdrop bulb are still to go. Later today or tomorrow I hope. I too have the folder with Forumist's requests (or my promises) but sometimes I forget to make the relevant entry :'(
ohhh, errrrr
that reminds me :-[ sorry, Lesley!
:-[ :-[ :-[
fermi
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Oh, dear, this is bringing out a lot of guilt around the place, obviously!
This is going to sound truly pathetic ( and IT IS!!) but I never thought to make a list on the 'pooter' :o :-[ I can only think that I spend so much time 'pootering' for everything else that I don't think of it in my "own" sphere! SOOOO feeble. :'(
I write these things on paper.... and try to keep track..... often failing miserably, I'm sure.
For instance, I have seed of Crinodendron hookerianum still waiting here to be sent to Jamie V. because I thought I'd wait and send it with the cutting material I was also going to send, but I forget what put paid to that idea at the time so the seeds are still here and the cuttings were not taken. :-[ :P :-\ :-X
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Maggi,I like your new avatar. Although I said at the end of my post that my system was almost foolproof,I should have added that nothing is foolproof to a suitable talented fool. ;D
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Thank you , Michael. :-*
I must say, your last comment on your system does give me hope, since I am as talented a twerp as you are likely to find, so I could never hope to cope!
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;D ;D ;D