Neighborhood Co-op

That's what it feels like, at least.  We don't actually have an official co-op, but I have several gardeners in my neighborhood and we frequently trade plants, produce, or baked goods.  It is truly wonderful to have that sense of community - of knowing your neighbors, having some similar interests, and sharing with each other for a greater benefit.

I recently divided my canna lilies and also had extra squash transplants that I was planning to throw away if I couldn't find someone who I could give them away to.  My neighbors, Bonnie and Manny, a sweet couple in their 70's, are some avid gardeners as well, so I offered up my extra cannas and squash plants to them.  In exchange, Bonnie said I could come dig up some bearded irises from her beds.  Really, she would have given them to me even if I didn't give them anything, but it is nice to give back to someone who is giving to you.

I was planning to dig up a few clumps of irises, but I ended up with a full wheelbarrow of pass along plants from Bonnie.  I even had to start declining some plants because I don't think I have enough room in my garden if I took her up on everything offered.

Bonnie with the wheelbarrow of goods that she gave me.

I ended up with about 70 bearded iris rhizomes (two varieties of yellow, a deep purple variety, an "Iris of Old" yellow/purple variety, and some mystery varieties), a few transplants of purple heart and spider plants for the shade garden, a potted succulent, as well as some banana peppers, pomegranates, and pecans.

Trading plants and produce is so much fun - especially with neighbors that love gardening just as much as I do!  Now, time to get all this stuff in the garden...