Yes we can. Man not only could you pull me out..but you also could have just pulled out my maple tree in front. Had NO ROOTS left. Well one that was only as long as my arm. The tree guys have NEVER seen a crop worm *sp?* as big as those 2 that were at the bottom of the root system inside the stem :-( They were as fat as my big toes!! Laid them in the street on the edge and I tell you it was not 10 minutes and they were gone. I thought they might make a nice meal for a birdy :-) But I sure hope I never need to call and ask for help lol Kristy I had no idea that it is a one day trip you did :-( Call me when you are up and ready for me :-))) Got to run to Lowes and buy more shelves and shop lights. Have to set up the space for the tender plants for inside. Lucy

Oh, thank you, Cynthia--you're a great cheer-leader and I appreciate the encouragement! :o) Hangeth thou in there--it really is amazing how quickly a garden evolves into an exciting place to be!!! Patann--how did I overlook your post?? I'm so sorry! You too, have ALWAYS been a HUGE encouragement to me and I've loved so much your excitement that so often rivals my own!! :o) The hosta in question, I believe you are referring to is one of my very first that I got excited about! It's 'Francee'!!! It can look very dark or medium green--depending on lighting! Mine get no direct sunlight so they tend to be a rather dark green which really makes the margins 'pop'!!! Here's a shot of scanning right with the same plant more in view: And, from last years archives this from the other end: Thank you, again, Kristy---now I can get the tune out of my head!! LOL Good thing I love it!!!! "I got a girl and Ruby is her name I'd give the world just to set her heart aflame... Ruby Baby when will you be mine..Ruby Baby..Ruby Baby.." And so it goes--and it'll keep me awake for hours, no doubt! LOL Maybe not!!! hehehe

Nancy, We have been in the 90s for so long, and still are, for that matter...next week, at least, it is supposed to be low 80s, then the following week, 80s! But I have got to get the other iris bed weeded, and the very back most daylily bed. We have had so much rain, I haven't been able to get out, and the weeds are unbelievable. Edward, I would pay good money for those temps, but it will be at lease later October before we will see them if our weather follows its usual pattern. kay

The main premise of the article is right on, but the writer provides some questionable recommendations. First, it is worth noting that the article is somehow related to the state of Missouri. What works in Missouri is not likely to work so well in Arizona or Oregon. But, yes, the goal of a gardener is to cultivate the soil until it becomes the 'chocolate cake' crumbly brown soil that is composed of peds - small balls of soil that are coated with the organic slime. If a person has clay soil, the addition of humic shale ore fertilizer, such as Zamzow's Huma Green (do a google search) will do the trick. Amazing stuff and it does not require tilling into the soil. Apply it to the surface and allow it to be absorbed. Repeated applications cause the soil to become conditioned deeper and deeper.