[APWG] Seed Exchange Workshop-National Arboretum, Washington, DC- Jan. 28

[Patricia_DeAngelis at fws.gov]

Overview
Washington Gardener magazine, the publication for DC area gardening
enthusiasts, is co-hosting the first annual Washington Seed Exchange
with the U.S. National Arboretum. This seed swap will be in-person and
face-to-face. You bring your extra seeds and swap them with other
gardeners. Everyone will leave with a bag full of seeds, new garden
friends, and expert planting advice.

When
On Saturday, January 28, 2006 from 12:30 - 4:00PM. (Foul weather date:
February 5. Call the USNA at 202.245.2726, if any concern about
snow/ice.)

Where
In the Administration Building Auditorium of the U.S. National
Arboretum, 3501 New York Ave., NE, Washington, DC.   There is direct
shuttle service from Union Station metro by taking the X6 metrobus. The
bus operates every 40 minutes. Note that the last bus leaves the USNA
grounds at 4:56pm.   There are two entrances: one at 3501 New York
Avenue, NE, and the other at 24th & R Streets, NE, off of Bladensburg
Road. Go to www.usna.usda.gov/Information/directions.html for the
driving instructions best for your personal point of departure.

How To Register
Go to http://www.usna.usda.gov/Education/regform.pdf to print out the
registration form. If you do not have Internet access, send payment to
U.S. National Arboretum, 3501 New York Avenue, NE, Washington, DC 20002,
Attn: Event Registration, EVSU. Specify "Seed Exchange" and include your
full address, phone number, and email. Please make checks out to "USNA."
Registration fee of $15 per person in advance. FONA members and
Washington Gardener subscribers receive a discount rate of $12 per
person.   Add a note stating you are a Washington Gardener subscriber or
FONA member in order to receive your discount.  There is a limited
enrollment of 125 maximum participants so be sure to register early!
If there are still spaces left at the event, we will accept payment at
the door. The on-site fee is $20 per person ($16 for FONA/WG
subscribers).

If You Have Seeds to Swap
Please package them in resealable plastic zipper sandwich baggies. Put
an average of 20 seeds per baggy - more for small seeds like cleome,
fewer for large seeds like acorns. Then label each baggy with a white
sticker (such as Avery standard 5160 address label sheets) giving all
the information you have on the seeds. If known, include the plant's:
common and scientific names; its soil, sun, and watering needs; and, its
origins - where and when you collected the seeds. If you don't know all
the information, that's okay, just try to provide as much as you can.

What Types of Seeds?
Seed swap categories will include: natives, edibles, herbs, exotics,
annuals, perennials, and woodies (trees/shrubs). If you can pre-sort
your seeds in advance into whichever of these seven major categories
fits best that would help us speed up the process on the swap day.

Education Program
Expert speakers from the USNA faculty will give brief talks on seed
collection and propagation tips. Barbara Melera of D. Landreth Seed Co.
in Baltimore, MD, will talk about the importance of propagating heirloom
plants. There will be ample time for individual Q&A throughout the
program with USNA staff, the featured speakers, and invited experts as
well.

How Do We Swap?
As you check-in, staff will collect your seeds and place them at the
appropriate seed category tables.  You will be assigned a random seed
swap number and given a swap card. There will be a short period for
attendees to preview all the seeds brought in and available for
swapping. Then you will be called in by your number to pick a seed pack
from each of the category tables (if desired). Staff will mark off your
swap card to confirm the pick-up.   After the initial seed swap is
complete, attendees are free to take any of the leftover seeds and to
trade seeds with each other. Dividing of packets is encouraged and extra
baggies plus labels will be on hand for that purpose.

What If I Don't Have Any Seeds to Swap?
Come anyway! Even if you don't have any seeds to trade you are welcome
to attend! We'll have plenty of extra seed contributions on hand and
many attendees will be there just to learn, network, and prepare for
next year's seed collecting.

Door Prizes! Goodie Bags!
All attendees will receive a goodie bag at the end of the seed swap in
exchange for filling out an evaluation form. The bags include seeds and
items donated by: America the Beautiful Fund, Audubon Society of
Northern Virginia,  D. Landreth Seed Co., Nichols Garden Nursery,
Thompson & Morgan Seedsmen, Inc, Washington Gardener magazine, W. Atlee
Burpee.  In addition, we have some incredible door prizes to give away
especially for area gardeners. The following companies have generously
donated items:  Deerbusters.com/Mastergardening.com, Gardener's
Supply/Dutch Gardens, and Washington Gardener magazine.