Hi Heather here's my 2 cents... Q: if I can get some heirloom tomato seeds, then grow heirloom tomatoes, can I dry out & re-use the seeds from these tomatoes? A: Yes. That's how you do it. Very simple. Q: do you trade here on the Florida board, or do you use a general Garden Web trading board? A: I've done both. Trades as well as gifts from generous GW'ers from several areas (Florida forum, Seed Exchange and Tomato Exchange/Tomato Forum). A couple times a year the Seed Exchange has a "newbie" offer that give free seeds to newbies from other GW'ers. Another way to get started is to buy one kind of seed that is uncommon and desirable so you have something to offer and ask for trades. You'll get lots of different stuff to grow or trade for more stuff. It's a little addictive and fun to get stuff in the mail. (I've had to explain to my mailman what's in my mail). I don't see anything on your "want" list. Surely you want some seeds....

My favorite spot changes depending on what's blooming. Right now the honeysuckle is so fragrant and alluring. We constructed raised beds with cottage stones in multiple layers all throughout and around our yard, and made them butt-friendly height for sitting. So sitting by the honeysuckle now. We have a deck that is always very enjoyable and relaxing to sit on unless it is hot and sunny outside. Eventually it will be shaded. 28 bird stations around the house so always lots of bird and squirrel activity for entertainment and their songs are wonderful. Porch swing on cool days is nice. LaFuma chairs on the bridges over the creeklets is decadent :-) Sitting on raised bed ledge in depth of willow thicket completely surrounded by jungle effect is soothing. Sitting by pond when water running very nice. Walking down paths staring at trees and growth and examining everything is good. The bench looking out into the front 'swimming pool' and mermaid fountain is nice. Have tables and chairs and picnic table, enjoy reading or doing projects outside. Enjoy dining outside. In the winter it's been a bit bleak but as the conifers grow it will be better. Planning to plant some winter interest bushes eventually, may not be enough room. In general, planting a wide variety of trees and having lots to look at, lots of greenery, was a really good choice. But like hemnancy, there's just so much to do, always things to clean up and weeds and rechaining and chores so it's hard to relax without feeling guilty. Most thrilling of all: When it rains (Hallelujah!) being inside with all the windows open and sitting in recliner listening to that miraculous beautiful life-giving pitter patter, sighing in relief, thanking God for water, listening to the birds and smelling the flowers and vines wafting in the moist fragrant cool breeze, watching all the leaves flutter and sway and dance.

I have clematis from: Brushwood Bluestone Silver Star Vinery Hummingbird Farm Joy Creek Nursery All were healthy on arrival and have grown well, and when I have had questions I have gotten a satisfactory response, so I would recommend any of them. Each place has a different selection, and pot sizes vary, so some will bloom sooner than others. Even in my rural area I often can find some selections of clematis locally at nurseries, so check out what is available locally first since they are likely to be larger plants. The ones in big box stores in tiny pots aren't worth it IME as far as survival and labeling and the ones in larger pots can be hit or miss for the accuracy of labeling, so I pass on those since the prices aren't any better in my area than at regular nurseries or mail order.

My absolutely favorite place is Fraziers Concrete in Hempstead, TX not far from Antique Rose Emporium. They have acres and acres of concrete statuary and are wonderful people to deal with. Here's my little story about them that I copied from a 2010 post: Frazier's is truly an AMAZING place, in more ways than one!!! Amazing in the sheer number beautiful designs in concrete in their acres of displays and amazing in their dedication to customer satisfaction. Several years ago my friend Barbara and I went there and purchased quite a few items. As they were loading my minivan the tires began to look overloaded. I didn't think they could handle the last thing to be loaded -- a huge angel bird bath my friend bought. Barbara said she'd come back for it in her husbands pick-up truck. Well, it was TWO years before we were able to get back with the truck. In the meantime she had lost her receipt, but lo and behold -- they still had her bird bath! It was sitting in the the hold section with a big sign on it that simply said "Woman from San Antonio." ... :-)