does this forum include cyclamen or is there another forum where I can post a question? I think here is as fine as anyplace to cover them in the FAQ. or to ask about them. For the time being I just noted/added cyclamen at the bottom of the outline. I've also got crinum so thanks for the note about crinum being included in the amaryllis forum. Before doing a search on Crinum, all I knew was that they were not hardy here. That was when I saw they were of the Amaryllidaceae family, thus thought The Amaryllis Forum would be better off handling the FAQ (if anyone volunteers and they agree to it), and to field questions there. As usual though, anyone can ask about anything they want at any forum...within reason of course...like not at Home Decorating or something...lol. Glad to see the section on critters! I figure you can provide a lot of good input on that, especially if 'your' Sun Disc daffodils come up and bloom in some strange places next spring. If ornamental Allium is refered to the Allium-forum then their introduction needs to be changed. At least the last time I looked the forum was described to be for growing onions and garlic. Their forum blurb reads: This forum is for the discussion of plants of the genus Allium, such as onions, garlic, leeks, shallots & scallions. I agree, that it would best be changed to include Ornamental Allium/Flowering Onions. I don't think that any bulb must be asked about on any one 'specific' forum as there are sometimes numerous forums where one can find the answers....for example, if lily questions don't get needed replies at The Lily Forum, it is fine to ask here. Canna are sometimes asked about here, though there is a Canna Forum, so members here can provide info but also suggest that more info can be found at The Canna Forum. In doing a search here on Canna I see there are 122 threads, so will touch on them as well in the FAQ, with reference then to the Canna Forum and the great Canna FAQ there. And with the tulips I think it is important to have one (sub?)section for garden hybrids and another section for botanical tulips. I agree and tulips will be rather extensive, sort of like the daffodils, since they are asked about so much. Then there are the tulips that are more like perennials than annuals. This FAQ is turning out to be quite a beast, but 'should' end up pretty good with everyone's input.

Getting a headache using the navigation bars since this post is sized so large - harkens back to yesteryear using micro-fiche. That being said, let me add that humor and wit may well assuage the underlying message. I lurk and learn here because I'm simply a gardener, or better yet, simply someone who gardens. What I know I know from reading, asking, or experimenting. Every new season is another opportunity to get things "right" given the confines of my property and the idea as to how I wish to use it, the set of my house which is no doubt the real controlling element, the hardscape, garden areas, existing large trees, focal points, etc. After almost a year of following these posts and going back through those of interest to me, I accept the fact that presenting my situation to any 5 landscaping pros would get me 6 ways it's not someone's idea of good. I agree that good planning should be the first principle; taking into account there is no substitute for taste and knowledge as well as being aware the world offers a wide range of different conditions and materials with which to work. Also wide ranging is one's ability to cope with both the practical and financial implications of planning even a simple garden. I see no fault in prompting or pushing someone in a certain direction for plant selections or regional growing conditions. I also see no fault in expecting a poster to provide pertinent information: a photo when possible, location, exposure, budget, likes, dislikes, maintenance issues. I do have pause with some of the seemingly unncessary put-offs or downs. Why does one bother to repond to a post in a manner that serves no purpose other than to put one in their place? What has been referred to in previous posts as "abstract snobbery" might not have its intended effect in helping someone think outside the box, or to identify the 800 lb. gorilla, or the misplaced nose on the Pekingese. No offense to anyone as these were interesting think pieces, but someone not "getting it" should not be relegated to the dunce corner.

JUST MY OPINION... I am not really in favor of leaving someone a favorable comment simply because they followed through in sending an SASBE in order to get seeds. To me, it's like praising someone for coming to the dinner table and eating my food. And if we leave positive feedback for those who send out their SASBE requests, then shouldn't it follow that we leave negative feedback for someone who doesn't follow through? If that was the case, I'd be leaving negative feedback for dozens of people, as I'm sure anyone who has offered seeds for SASBE would as well. Though it's frustrating to hold seeds for someone who doesn't follow through, I don't really think it's an important enough of a matter to leave negative comments over. The whole concept of posting comments regarding SASBEs has other drawbacks. Last spring I offered a lot of seeds for SASBE, and one in particular stuck out. When I had looked at the person's want list, I saw she was looking for hardy geraniums. I found a few odds and ends, small amounts of several varieties, so I packaged them separately and included them as well thinking she'd be happy with the additional surpise. I was quite taken aback when she emailed me after receiving the SASBE and told me that I needed to read the FAQs, that "10 or 12 seeds was not considered a sufficient amount of seeds" and she would be leaving me negative feedback. I was stunned. Fortunately for her, she didn't leave the comments, or I would have responded with words including "ignorant", "selfish", and "ungrateful"... (Can you tell I'm still a tad steamed, LOL...) I think the sample comments for negative reviews are very good ones--Jack Webb of Dragnet would be happy with the "Just the facts, Maam" attitude. However, there are a few gray areas I am wondering about. What do you suggest regarding feedback if the trader sends mismarked seeds (ie, agastache instead of lavender); unviable seeds (such as sunflower seeds that were flat, white, and bendy, obviously underdeveloped); or a trader who waits until he/she has received the other person's seeds to tell them that he/she is out of several of the seeds they wanted and that they need to pick substitutes. I've always handled these matters privately. I know honest mistakes happen as in the first two cases--but the third example has happened to me a few times now (twice with the same trader--not going to trade with her again) and is starting to bother me as I feel it may be a bait and switch tactic. Still I'm not sure I'm comfortable about leaving negative feedback even in that situation. I'm sure it sounds as though I am focusing on the bad side of trading/SASBEs, which I am, but it's only because good trades and positive feedback are pretty self-evident. Kate

OK. I am brand new here and not even an orchid grower. I would not know how to pot one up if you paid me the current Lottery Prize. But sometimes, I come on over here and read a bit and see your stunning photos. I am, however, a gardener myself. I grow sweet peas, hippeastrums, narcissus, and many other things. I once went to a professional orchid show just to see what the fuss was about. There were many, many different types of orchids and colours and arrangements of them. It really was quite a show. I remember most of all some yellow and velvety brown ones and they were something! But the memory that most stands out in my mind is that of a visit to my hairdresser. On this occasion, there were three Cattleyas in an amethyst bowl on the nearby credenza. They were pure white and very large and had a very frilly, deep purple throat (almost the same colour as the bowl). The picture is still in my mind: that is what an orchid is to me. If I could grow them, I would get that one. I read this thread just to see what kind of remarks you had to make about general tips for beginners. I must say that you all are one polite and nice bunch. I have seen some people get some nasty remarks from others on some forums but so far this one is as you say, very decent. As one member said: just because this is the internet it is not an excuse to forget your manners. I was raised with them too; and I appreciate all of your helpful advice and polite and friendly manner. One should not have to defend oneself on a visit to GardenWeb, after all. You have a great Forum here in the orchid section.