Well, if I'd taken pictures of the gardens before last Sunday's hail storm, I'd be glad to post them. Right now, though, they're recovering from the trauma. I think I already answered the question "how would you translate those values into a vision or system of gardening?" by illustration. Specifically: Curiosity as a way of thinking - I wonder what different plants might thrive in, or at least tolerate, these conditions? Suspicion of authority and conventional wisdom - I suspect that there may be options my neighbors and these garden center guys don't know about ... or don't want me to know about. Respect for intelligently filtered history - OK, this one's tough at the moment, but "You'll never grow grass because I've never been able to grow grass" is not exactly an "intelligently filtered history" that I would respect. Aspiration to higher levels of achievement - Easy: I aspire to a garden that is more/better than the run-of-the-mill. A garden that includes shade-loving, native plants, that will provide food and shelter for birds and beneficial insects as well as beauty, joy and inspiration year 'round. Vision for renewed potential in all things - Sandy soil, devoid of nutrients, with little capacity to hold water or nutrients ... how can this be improved upon or turned into a positive? Oh, and the no-longer-used-still-sturdy-but-now-in-the-way two-story playtower my oldest son built (at age 16) for his little brothers: as it was being dismantled to make way for a small greenhouse I realized it could be reconfigured into a nice little gazebo and set by the side of the koi pond. Nestled under a dogwood among hydrangeas, pieris, mock-orange, perennials and spring-flowering bulbs, it now has orchids hanging on the posts, baskets from the beams and rails, and a hardy jasmine climbing up one corner post (and probably countless spiders under its floor). Tendency to invent private systems - How to identify, locate and acquire appropriate plant material - at an affordable price - when it is not readily available. And if I can't improve the soil in my entire yard in one fell swoop, and get all the plants I need now, how can I phase this in over time, and yet have it look at least decent while still a work-in-progress? (Though I have come to realize it will be a work in progress as long as there's breath in me ... and that's exactly as it should be.) Reinvention and perfection of former skills - researching, networking, experimenting, project management (as it's now called) ... Accepting the challenge of the difficult - All of the above ... while A) working full-time (in order to afford this obsession) and later B) taking care of young children and, finally, C) working full-time again, but now a little older, with less stamina, a much crankier back ... and even more ideas! As I said before, for me it's been interwoven in all facets of my life, personally and professionally. I took it for granted that everyone thought this way, but was rather rudely disabused of that notion. In fact, I've discovered it sometimes frightens people, causing them to become defensive, hostile and/or ridicule the person or concept. On the other hand, the people I have met and known who exemplified the aforementioned eight Renaissance principles, which so closely resemble Gelb's da Vincian principles, have been among the most interesting, congenial, open-minded, and generous people I have ever encountered.

Hello Kate, I am too new to the vandas to give much advice but I do feel that when we buy from the nurserys here especially in the vases they are gasping for a drink if they have been there from the suppliers (usually Holland) for some time as the sales staff don't really know much and are just there to sell. I have frequently asked sales staff to water plants which look streesed from lack of water. Hopefully some one will advise you. I have discovered that filling the sink with lukewarm water and dunking the vandas for around 30 mins twicw a week has worked well and also kept the vases clean, I can also inspect the roots. I am pleased to say I have another vanda with a little flower spike coming ( vanda Thongchai X Dr.Anek). do hope it doesn't abort. Good luck and happy growing. Hazel.

Wow!! I'da filled my cart!! 8-D We all usually pay well for our pretties. I bought 2 must haves yesterday, total for them - $38.00 with taxes. Yikes. However, like I said, things I have wanted for a long time: one of those giant blue hostas - Blue Angel will grow over 30" high and around; Jack Frost Brunnera, about the same size, I believe. Now, just to satisfy my cheap Scottish mind-set, they can be divided!! Nancy.

Cora - that's me, too! Saving stuff out of the neighborhood Yard Trash Dumpster. And Lori, you're so not alone, but I don't know if knowing that makes it any less crazy. Since moving back to Lake Placid, I've been collecting seeds from my lovely neighbors from their gorgoeous amaryllis blooms. I look at all the trays of sprouting sprigs and wonder where in tarnation I'm going to plant all these, when I don't have room for what I already have and I don't even LIKE amaryllis. Gary - trees are my downfall - I grew way too many Foxtail Palms and Cassias from seed and I don't think they will even grow up here and my yard doesn't even have room for one tree, much less 14! (That's what I get for buying in a trailer park) Lou's got a great idea there - a tree that does double duty! Thanks for letting me berate myself - maybe it will help me stop pulling the seed pods off my geraniums and taking cuttings from everyone's roses. Hey - I think I'm getting better. . . it just occurred to me that I no longer pot up all the little baby spider plants I ever see. Maybe I'm on my way to freedom. Well, gotta go collect the aslcepias seeds before the wind blows them into the orange grove. These are for Tina. I'm done planting seeds (for now). Susie