Update: I just took a look at the statue. The height that water has to rise is,actually, only 15".

Hello all- I am new here so I'm not really sure how this works, but I thought it was worth trying... I have a dear friend who lost his son a few years ago. His family has spent numerous hours creating a memory garden for their son on a piece of land that was donated to them. The land is gorgeous and it is wonderful as it is used by youth camps so many people are able to see and use this wonderful garden. My friend was very kind and had a stone made for my brother who has also passed and placed it in the garden as well. We are planning on making a trip to visit my friend this summer and I would love to have a few plants for him and his family to make part of their garden. This space is wooded so receives very limited light, so hostas would work great. I have a few plants that I could trade, unfortunately none of them are too special, but hopefully someone out there would be interested... Iris - Unknown color Chives Sedum ground cover with yellow flowers Striptease hosta Golden Tiara hosta Unknown varigated hostas Francee hosta Ditch lilies... everyone's favorite! :) If anyone is interested please just send me a note. Again, I'm brand new to this, but would love to do one or two larger swaps. Thanks in advance!

Very sorry for your loss. I agree that this experience will help you work through your sorrows in a positive way. My immediate thought was to create a labyrinth garden. Wandering the circular paths inspires peace of mind and tranquility and are often used in hospitals and the like for a similar purpose to yours. I'm picturing one that is partially enclosed for privacy, adorned with cool, calming colors, some statues and a quiet place to sit. I don't know if you will like the idea or not, but I did a Google search to find you an example. I suggest making observations and some mental/physical notes of the site (regarding light, moisture, wind, etc.) and some photos to take in to a local nursery for some suggestions on appropriate plant material. Also take your time: look through some magazines, books and on the internet. Find pictures of styles, "looks", plants, etc that you like and take a few of your favorites with you to the nursery as well. This will be a lovely thing to do in memory of your loved one. Again, do take your time as the process has the potential of contributing to your healing as much as the finished product. I would love to see some pictures as you go along as well! Take care. Janelle

Thanks everyone:) Hi Mary :) As far as Monarda is concerned I just belief M. didyma and most of it's cultivars are most susceptible to infection. Spraying plants with plain ol' water can aid in the prevention of the spores ability to germinate and often kills them, however it's hard to keep up trying to keep the leaves wet and doing so could also lead to other fungal issues that flourish with free moisture...especially at night or in humid climates, ect.; Botrytis, Downy Mildew, ect. Didn't even realize the Hollyhock flower was in that picture! Actually I only had a handful of about 30-40 Hollyhocks that looked worth a damn....the grasshoppers came in droves this year! The earwigs also did a fare share of destruction this year on these and several other plants as well. Today I noticed several earwigs hiding within the Yvonne's Salvia flowers and sunflowers...good grief! Tiffy, I'd be happy to save seeds for the M. fistulosa...this is just the common prairie species native to my home state of North Dakota as well as S. Dakota and Nebraska. I'm pretty sure it's also native to MB, SK, AB and ON. Seeds are ready to harvest in October. Might have to remind me when it's gets to be that time :)) Karen, Sure hope to bite into some tomatoes soon. My mouth waters every time I walk by LOL! I wonder how will I know when the Cherokee Green are ripe? I guess it will be by feel huh? Regarding fungal or bacterial infection of leaves; whatever it is if it's not severe you can remove and properly discard infected leaves....when dry...never wet. I'm sure you are already mulching beneath plants to prevent soil splashing :) Some more Hollyhocks that didn't look too bad. This giant red one had to come down after several days of rain/wind...my hummingbirds weren't too happy 'bout that LOL! It's ok though there's plenty others they visit....can't believe how much them go for the blue and purple larkspur! Here it was on July 8th...a monster ....again on the 14th... close up... Some hollyhocks in front on July 30th...