Another unique plant trade

You know that I really enjoy trading plants with other gardeners. I did it several times last year, and this year I've already received a few packages, some more spiny than others. This one was a little different though.

If you're a keen observer with a good memory, something about this box may be familiar. It was to me when I saw it. Didn't I see something like this last year?

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Yes, this is another box from sculptor Matt Walker! So some quick work with scissors and the box is open:

What a variety of packing materials! I think there are a couple of different items in here, one of which I specifically requested:

I have no idea what this one is though.

Ah, a dragonfly!

This is going by the pond... or maybe the stream? I'll have to figure that one out.

There's more in the box though:

Some sort of NASA surplus heat shield it seems:

Coolest packing material I've ever received! Inside it is...

A ladybug!

Even though I knew this piece was coming, it's still exciting to have it in hand.

I traded some bamboos to Matt for these, since I've stopped taking in more bamboos (at least for this year).

Here they are with the mantis I received last year:

It's hard for me to visualize where these should go right now, as I like my garden sculpture half-concealed by plants -- and the plants are not big enough for that yet. Soon though. For now they all wait patiently on the deck, yearning to escape into the wilds of my yard.

Thanks Matt, and great work!

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