Wow, how can you even choose faves? I never can. I guess my fave groups of plants are palms, orchids and aroids. I like hoyas, but they aren't my faves by a long shot. These are some of my faves that I grow: Rare entire leaf (undivided leaves) palm, Salacca magnifica. It is found naturally only in Borneo, where it grows at the base of cliffs in very moist locales in the rainforest. My largest leaf at present is about 10 feet; mature, they will be 20 feet, going straight up from the base at ground level. Very architectural, stunning in habitat. This is a little variegated Lady Palm (Rhapis) that I particularly like I love aroids with large leaves that have a little "something extra" like variegation or cool colorations, like this Alocasia "Purple Prince" I have growing out in the yard I love variegated monstera. I have managed to collect 4 plants and planted them in various sopts to climb up the walls This is one of my favorite trees, Erythina indica variegated, also called the "Sunshine Tree". It just glows and makes the entire area light up I love small understory palms that put out new leaves that are highly colored, like this Calyptrocalyx polyphyllus I guess of all theorchids, Bulbophyllums and Cirrhopetalums are my fave group, because they have such bizarre blooms

OK, how about we do the seed trade in January. Does that sound good for everyone? I think January would be good for me, after the holidays and all. Everyone will need to have their seeds sent in by January 15th, to my PO Box. You will need to have your email unblocked (not your address showing, just the GW form showing that allows me to email you). That means you will need to be a person who has registered with GW. I will email only those on this list. There is no need to email me with "youve've got mail" etc. I will see you if you post here. How about we have a maximum number of seed packets? I only ask this so that I don't end up having to send your own packages back to you!! Lets say a maximum of 25 packets of seed per person. There is no minimum. PLEASE send a mixture of different types of seed.. (2-3 pks of each is OK, but again, small number of participants means we don't need too many repeat kinds of packages...). Please package each type of seed seperately in a small envelope or seed baggie (bead baggies are awesome for this, as are coin envelopes or homemade seed packages). Label each package with the "Common Name" of your plant. Please try to take the time to do a search on DG to find the botanical name for flowers. So many have the same common name. If you can, please write the color of flower/fruit/vegetable, how tall it grows (or if it's dwarf etc.). Germination data would be a bonus, but we can also discuss that on this forum if need be. PLEASE MAKE SURE TO PUT YOUR GW NAME ON YOUR SEED PACKAGES!! I can make sure you don't get your own packages back if you GW name is on each seed package. Send everything in a BUBBLE ENVELOPE. Inside the envelope please place a sticker (this saves me from taping everything), two stamps, a note with your "wants" list, or colors you like, any pereferences you have and make sure sure sure you have your GW NAME on this note. Please do not use your email address, just your GW handle. Thank you a kabillion. This will be such a time saver! I will return all envelopes by February 15th at the latest (probably much sooner. I will aim for Jan. 30th..) At this time I ask that we trade only in the USA, especially since nobody from overseas or Canada has requested to be opted in. Let me know here if this all sounds good to you? GGG

At last it's upon us! I posted in the earmarks thread that I'm bringing caramel pecan pull apart bread. Mom still hasn't decided what's she's bringing for food. Lucky, it looks like anything you needed is covered, but let us know if there's anything last minute. I am so grateful to you for hosting again, you really have the perfect spot for a get together. I can't wait to see you all!

Found a metal coat-hat rack at a garage sale for $3, painted it white. For a few years it acted as a trellis for passion vine but the area got too shady. Now it's a bottle tree.