File - 24. NOTHING TO TRADE? LOOK AROUND!!

Hi Everyone,

Many newbies join our group because they are just becoming
interested in beautifying and enhancing their gardens.
Often times, these new gardeners in the group feel they are
at a disadvantage because they come with empty hands, and
have nothing of interest to trade for plants that they want.

So you think you have nothing to trade?

THINK AGAIN!!!

Many newbies who join the group feel that they may have
nothing of value to trade from their gardens, but often,
it's a matter of just being resourceful, and aware of what
you may have in your garden that other's may want, even
though you may not think such plants or seeds are of any value.

Remember, one man's trash could be another's treasure in this
group! Plants that you may consider common, or, even "weeds",
could be the very plant or seed that someone in the group wants,
believe it or not!

So, how do you take advantage of such unseen "treasure" that
you may hold in your garden – treasure that others in the group
may find of value enough to want to trade for?

Easy!! Take a walk in your garden with eyes wide open, and
senses alert! Look up in the trees, and look at flowers (even
common ones that look like weeds) -- if you have any on your
property. Or take a walk in the neighborhood where trees and/or
flowers may be growing in public or common areas. Do you see pods?
If so, they likely have seeds in them! Take a pic of the tree or
flower so that others in the group can see how it looks. Try and
get a shot of the tree from a distance so it can be viewed in total.
Then get a close up of its leaves and/or flowers if it has any.
Pick up any pods that have fallen from the tree, or pluck seeds
from flowers around your home or neighborhood, and harvest the
seeds to share or trade with others in the group who may find
this tree or flower beautiful or interesting! You now have
something of value to trade in the group! Seeds!

Don't stop there! Look on the ground as you walk around your
neighborhood or property. Do you see "volunteer" seedlings that
have sprouted up here or there? Many people often mow right
over their volunteer seedlings because they consider such plants
common. BUT, remember, there may be someone in the group who
actually WANTS these volunteer seedlings!! Instead of mowing
them over, or leaving them to die later from lack of care,
gently pull them or dig them out to trade with someone in the
group who may be looking for just that plant!!

REMEMBER TO TAKE PICS of what you have so that others can see
what you have to trade out! And try to find out the name(s) of
such plants if you don't already know the name of it.

If you live in an area where there is absolutely no opportunity
to scavenge for free plants or seeds that are growing naturally
in common areas, take a look around your home. Are there items
that you can trade, like books, hand-made crafted items, etc.,
that others may want to trade for, which you no longer need or
want? You would be surprised! There are many of us in the group
who are blessed with wonderful gardens, but who lack the gift of
creativity and skills, such as the ability to knit, sew or crochet.
If you have such skills, and are crafty or have artistic ability,
there may be someone in the group who would love to trade their
plants for something you have made, which they would love to have.
We can all be blessings to one another in this way. What one
cannot make for themselves, they can trade plants for, and vice-versa.

So think very hard and look around before you despair about not
having anything to trade. You may be overlooking blessings all
around you, including your own talents!! Everyone has something
– we just need to be aware of what we have!

Have fun, everyone! And keep your eyes open to the beauty
around you!

Mimi

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