Living in the Pacific Northwest, we have a lot of ferns and lichens, but they're not tropical, by far. Deer fern, sword fern, male fern, lady fern, blah blah blah...polypodys that grow in the lichen on maple trees...also called 'licorice' roots, since when we were kids we'd peel the root and chew on them. I need to update my list, as I've been gone awhile, and things have fallen apart here. I got stuck in Idaho last summer where a car repair place in Dayton really stuck it to me for a clutch job, and took THREE WEEKS to do it, refusing to answer calls, etc. Meanwhile, my cats are locked up at home (Had to have people break in to feed them), and then I also lost about $1000 worth of plants that didn't get watered during the heatwave we had during July!!!!! I think some of the currant/gooseberries I gathered in the Cascade Mountains may have rooted, as well...sticky red or orange berries.

Well now it's about two and a half years since I planted turmeric. The pot grew vigorously all summer of 2013 and now the foliage has all died back. The soil is sunken and probably depleted so I have dumped it out and gently pried apart the plants. ;last winter there were many tiny round roots at the outside edges of the pot down deep. Not this time.All the roots sprout from the center of an older plant. The center plant is very large (pic) and I will use it for food. I am curious about the quality of the center bulb which is covered with a thin bark compared to the outer roots which look succulent though not as pink as the ones in the health food store. I broke a root and it doesn't smell as aromatic either. Maybe the lack of tropical sun. Three medium sized plants will go back in to the original pot with fresh soil and four small plants will start a second pot. I tried making dolmas out of the leaves last summer but they were way too fibrous though they flavored the stuffing nicely. I will try picking the leaves early when young this year before they toughen.

Jenn.. Had a look at your list.. there's plenty there i would love to have. Mostly interested in: Tomato - vivaitalia (") - Giant Belgium pink (") - Black from Tula (") - Carnival (") - Principe Borghese (") - Pineapple gold (") - German Johnson (") - glamour - Toma verde tomatillo Cucumber - Bush crop - Spacemaster 80 But i'm sure there are others, I just took a quick look at it today. Why don't you go thru my list such as it is and let me know if you find some things you like. I hope you don't mind taking this a little slow.. i am still working on about 7 other trades right now and i am kinda strapped for time & stamps till i can order more. But i am very interested in trading with you. Also i will be able to update my have list as time permits so you'll have more to choose from. Susie.. ditto.. looked at your list too!.. those Irises sure look so beautifull. You must be very proud of your gardens. As far as your flower seeds i would be glad to let you recommend something that a novice could grow. I'm more of a farmer than a flower grower, but i would love to give them a try. Again if you guys can give me till about tuesday to work on any new trades i should be able to get everything for these earlier ones taken care of by then. I'll try to add things to my trade list this weekend. Thank you all so much for the warm welcome.. Dave

What are you looking to trade, I've got some Mediterranean fan palms about 5-6 inches in height, if you'd like to trade. They are hardy to zone 8. You could possibly get zone 7 with protection. e-mail me! kyletaylor2000@live.com