Attention everyone: I want am going to start an new topic later this fall (don't know when). It is going to be very pic heavy. I am building a third high tunnel and I am going to document it very well. I twill be in the 18 by 45 range. I am going to lay out expenses, measurements, and add some new features to it. I am going to build it this fall, probably won't put the plastic on, but I will have it if I change my mind. This way the building will be up and when spring rolls around, I will pull the plastic over and we will start growing. The funny thing is I was scared to ask my wife if I could. I was expecting the "Hell No" answer and she said, I was kinda hoping you would? Hmmm, maybe 2 more, lets not push our luck! Bruce: Where at in Nebraska are you? Things that sell best are the old staples, red tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cucumbers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes and green beans. Every location is different. Thanks for all the comments about my buildings, they have taken a beating this year. To be real honest, I am surprised they are still standing! 70 mph wind, enough to topple power poles, the discount store in town had a greenhouse to sell plants in. They are directly south of my house 3 miles, that greenhouse was destroyed by wind this spring. The metal frame was twisted and smashed. Mine were slightly damaged. Hail, rain, snow what ever it was they just bent with the wind, and popped right back! I wish I had the $$$ to build a big fancy metal frame one, by after this year, for $500, how could you go wrong with a building like this. I already have the posts purchased, we are getting the plastic next week. (Trip to Kansas City for my girls doctors appointment, saves alot on shipping!) If you are interested, stay tuned!

Hey Guys, thanks so much for all the great comments. I'll start with 'Blue Girl'. This is my first year with her. Her first flash of blooms started about two weeks ago and I remove the last spent bloom from her today. There are lot of buds on her for the next flush. My husband, who is not into gardening at all, went to The Home Depot to buy a tool and stumble upon some bare root roses. He brought her home to me that night along with Miss American Beauty and Pascali. You want to talk about a proud man. From that night in March until she bloomed he told anyone who would listen about the blue rose bush he bought for his wife. Now, if I had been a smart woman it would have accrued to me to sit him down and explain that the blooms would not likely be blue but some shade of purple. Like I said, IF I were a smart woman, no such luck. He went to check on her nearly every night after work. So the day she open I couldn't wait for him to see it. Well I found him staring down at her beautiful lavender blooms, thinking he would be so pleased. When he looked up at and said "I feel like a foul!" I laugh out loud. And told him that if we cut them and put them in some water with blue food colouring they would like turn blue. He was heart broken. I swear I will take this one to my grave. Too Funny. Anyway all three of the roses he got that day are listed on Dave's Garden as being hardy to Zone 7a. So I think I will dig up Blue Girl, mulch the other two and hope for the best. The Petunias I started the end of February from pelleted seeds I bought off E Bay. And put them out in the middle of April. They were so easy I had nearly 100% success rate. I used the lights from the two Aerogardens I got for Christmas to get them stared. After they were on their way I took the lights away to get something else start and they patiently waited to be put out. And finally the Chinese Houses. They are not a wildflower here. I got the seeds as a free gift with some other seeds I bought. They are an annual. I laterally just through the seeds at the ground and forgot them. I was pleasantly surprised when the bloomed. Annie- I do what I can ;) You should defiantly try Astilbe again. C'mon everyone else is donnin it!!! LOL I got this shot this morning I under planted astilbe between The Fairy and Heritage as they both droop. Now the droop down on astilbe instead of the mud. And The fairy offers shade since she is in front. krycek1984- I only have a handful of poppies in bloom today and another handful left to bloom. Mine were late even for my area. I through the seeds down on the snow in February. I am really not sure why they were so late. This is my first year growing poppies. Gerylady-gardener, I started the petunias in February. For Lilyfinch and Craftlady I find it so hard to take nice picture of the whole garden. But I gave it my best go. Please excuse the mess we are in the middle of splitting wood. This bed runs along side the garage and has four margaret merril, one abe darby and white foxglove. Christin- Every year I say, next year I'm spraying. But then I never do. I have to admit, used a bit of creative cropping. Although this has been a great year. Just a bit of blackspot on a few things and the roses only have a few half eat leaves here and there. I really can't answer your colour question as this is her first flush. However it has been really hot here the last few weeks. I bought the petunia seeds and have been really vigilant about dead heading. So I haven't looked for seed heads. I plan to just buy more. The pelleted seeds make it so easy. Thank you again for looking. Carrie

Lykaon, What a beautiful yard you have...it makes me realize I should really spruce up my edges...mine is way more "rustic", so to speak. I say "YES" to your idea on future hosta beds, you have such an excellent backdrop there for beds. What are your flowering shrubs, Viburnum? Not sure on the Thunderbolt question, it doesn't look quite like mine that I can remember (I lost mine.)....I think mine were more blue, but someone else may have a better thought. Thank you for sharing! Your beds are beautiful! I finally bought Regal Splendor last year after having it on the wishlist year after year...can't wait to see it furl out now! (Eyes are only just now popping up this week here.)

I am so happy to see your pictures again! I was here back then, but mostly lurking, which I still do a lot because I am not very good about id-ing my plants since the dogs destroyed my labels and I gave up There are a few I know the names of, but not too many. You were one of my secret mentors when I started my hosta planting! I am sorry your 'When I Dream' was a disappointment, but there is so much to love about your gardens! Thank you for that!!!