I just bought an 'Atropurpurea' last year. Very pretty plant and wonderful flowers. Since it is tall and slim, I planted it near my patio for height. What is nice about it is that you can see thru and around it; nice and airy, and does not obstruct the view. I do not care for the scent though, but it really differs by nose. My freind thinks they smell very sweet. I think it smells like rubbish. This plant came up very late this spring. I was rather peeved at this, thinking it had died on me. But it is just a late riser; it comes up around the same time as Eupatorium and Crocosmia. It does not seemed to have 'bulked up' much. It is still a small plant. Because of this, I think I may switch it out for a Thalictrum, which grows fast. Sorry I could not be of more help. CMK

Amy- do you think the petasites would not spread if I planted them inside a pot or put a deep border around the area? If so, I'd like to try one. Also, Kathy asked if I'd keep my eyes open for lilies for her- I guess they cleared out a tree and she wants to fill the area with lilies. If you find yourself with too many and want to clear some out, I'd be happy to transport some to her. OK, so one last time on the list- please if I left anyone out, let me know- I'll check one more time before leaving tomorrow. RESERVED: George- lily of valley, tigerlilies, monarda Deb- hens n chics Marty-sage, lupine, liriope Paige-camapnula,bluet Dena-campanula Hedy-sage, tiger lilies Amy- dahlia Suebot- yarrow silvergirl 1426- dianthus Plus unclaimed sage, campanula, lysimichia alexander WISH LIST (of course, on last review I just had to add a few more things, if they are still available!) George- caryopteris sunshine blue Dena- cockscomb Marty- siberian iris Hedy- Beverly Sills iris, variegated geranium Deb- wild foxglove, lamium. cimifuga Paige- sedum 'neon" Carl- hemerocalla "frans hals" I'll see everyone tomorrow! I expect to bring some homemade corn salsa with chips. (If I don't eat it up today for my lunch!- I'll try to restrain, it's so yummy.) Cathy

Yes, fat is the opposite side of the water equation. Most of the rest is "solids", which are the other things besides fat and water from the milk. I don't notice a difference with higher fat content. It's a small difference. But that might be the quality of my "ordinary" butter. There might be leaner still. Currently there are ads on TV trying to palm off cheap butter that has been mixed with oil (oil being significantly less expensive) for baking. They used to try to sell it as spreadable, and now they're trying to convince you that that just that much softer is going to make your last minute baking better! Never mind the fact that you need to aerate the butter anyway, so "softening" it is no big deal if you have a mixer. Oil in the butter will make your baking come out differently and can make your cookies spread too fast. OTOH, for buttering toast or bread, there's nothing wrong with the "spreadable" butter with oil, and you might consider trying it, if the other suggestions don't help.

I was just looking at mine this evening, it's been moderately vigorous and now about 7 ft tall and has just one little sucker about six inches from the mother. It's planted on the southwest edge of a woodland setting that at times becomes hot and dry. The soil is loose and friable, though maybe a bit on lean side and my climate is also zone 4 a. These might possibly spread themselves around more in richer moister soils. The thing has never experienced any winter damage.