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Produce => Non Edible Plants => Topic started by: hellohelenhere on April 10, 2009, 18:51:37

Title: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: hellohelenhere on April 10, 2009, 18:51:37
Hi all,
I just entered some flower seeds on this site, for swaps: http://gardenswapshop.co.uk/

When I started tapping them in, someone was offering geranium seeds (e.g. pratense, which I want) - but by the time I'd finished entering my own swaps, that offer seemed to have disappeared! Oh well!

I've done one successful swap on there so far, I got some lovage seeds. Anybody want some? The swapper sent me loads! They're very aromatic, and can grow to 2m in the right situation; apparently you can use the leaves for cooking.

I'm after various flowers and herbs, but there aren't a whole lot of people on the site at the moment; it would definitely work better with more swappers. Come on over! I hope that's not bad etiquette of me, to suggest swapping over there, rather than on the Swaps thread here? They have a more developed mechanism for it - fairly primitive though it is. If I have stepped out of line, Dan, please pull this thread!

I have the same name over there as on here.
cheers
H

Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: Georgie on April 10, 2009, 21:20:53
Out of interest, Helen, what do you think that site offers over and above the swap shop here on A4A?

G x
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: hellohelenhere on April 10, 2009, 21:34:40
Well, they have a specific format for it there, you make individual entries for all the things you have to swap. If you see something else you want, you offer that person a swap. It's searchable, so you can look through what everyone has to offer, under the following headings:

Annuals [5]
Bulbs [2]
Carnivorous Plants
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: thifasmom on April 10, 2009, 21:36:21
i have come across this site before never signed up before as there wasn't anything i wanted at the time, but it is well set up and clear to navigate.
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: Robert_Brenchley on April 10, 2009, 21:57:12
I'm perfectly happy to try different sites, but I like the informal swapping here. Most people will let you have something without demanding anything in return, as long as they can see you do offer material round.
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: hellohelenhere on April 11, 2009, 00:32:31
The swapping here certainly has been very generous and heart-warming! And lots of people have indeed sent me things without wanting anything in return. I'd feel a bit embarrassed to simply slap up a shopping list, though. :D  Maybe I will - with a list of what I have to offer.
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: calamityjayneuk on April 11, 2009, 08:40:25
Maybe we can work out what improvements can be made to this forums swap shop by looking at that one - instead of all trooping over there  ;)
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: Georgie on April 11, 2009, 09:25:47
Quote from: calamityjayneuk on April 11, 2009, 08:40:25
Maybe we can work out what improvements can be made to this forums swap shop by looking at that one - instead of all trooping over there  ;)

My local freecycle has a rule that you should start the title of your post with 'wanted', 'offered', 'taken' or 'received' followed by a brief description of the item.  It works well.  I can't see how we could make the swap shop as 'searchable' as the other site though.

G x
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: Mushy Pea on April 11, 2009, 09:45:48
Hi Folks,
Dan does offer the "search" button which can be narrowed down to just the "swap" section.  ;)

This makes it easier to see what is or has been on offer.

I think though the majority just post a list of what they want with what they have to swap.

MP
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: PurpleHeather on April 11, 2009, 09:49:26
Lovage, I have had the same plant for years, it comes back every year and is a pleasant foliage for the flower bed.

Cut it back hard if you need to, as I say it comes back. Not intrusive like mint though.

Celery taste, OK for a leaf or two in the stock pot or as mixed greens but the flavour is strong and can overwhelm.  

I never pay more than the cost of postage for a pack of seeds and with 50 other plot holders and a few neighbours to swap with, I have not had the need to, but interesting to read.

Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: thifasmom on April 11, 2009, 11:13:06
hellohelenhere just rereading these posts, doyou still have lovage seeds and could i beg some off of you :)
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: hellohelenhere on April 11, 2009, 11:44:35
Certainly you may, I'll pm you. Anyone else for some lovage seed?
Title: Re: Seed swaps, anybody? at gardenswapshop.co.uk
Post by: hellohelenhere on April 11, 2009, 15:15:24
I've now posted my (flower) offers and wants, in the Swap Shop section. :)
Will try to do another one for veg in few days.