I recently read an article in the March issue of Cottage Living Magazine a publication I have a subscription to even though I don't live in a cottage style home but nonetheless a publication I embrace because the theme of the magazine Simplicity, Comfort, Style is something I'm trying to absorb and put into action in my humble abode. But I digress, the article on page 47 basically described a "seed swap". After reading it I thought, I would love to do that and invite folks over some Saturday morning, serve coffee and coffeecake and just see what happens, get some cool seeds or plants, you never know.

Well, at the BCSS March meeting our beloved treasurer, Maynard Moe just happened to mention that a new Cactus Society that has been formed on the Central Coast by past members - Rob and Terry Skillin were holding Plant Exchanges at their monthly meetings and that it seemed like a neat or whatever thing to do. I agree. While I admit I hadn't taken my thoughts about this process to include it as a club activity, I was just going to invite folks over.

So without further ado, BCSS is going to embark on a new activity beginning with the April meeting. We are going to hold a Plant Exchange. It is the Club's hope that this activity will evolve into something Fun and Educational, as well as a way of adding plants to our collections. Here are a few guidelines for the new Activity:

Bring bags, baggies, waterproof pens or pencils, labels (tape or plastic?), carrying containers and potted plants, cuttings, or seeds of cactus and succulents to trade. It is as simple as that . If you feel you do not have much to offer, please don't feel that way, you never know what folks may like or be looking for. I personally would like to see members and meeting attendees e-mail each other with inquiries as to what each has to trade and get some real horse swapping going on. Also, I'm not leaving out the idea of a seed exchange sometime in the fall at my house which would also include vegetable and flower seeds as well as bulbs etc.. and most likely coffee and coffeecake.

Until we meet again,
Bonnie