While I think that the "FAQ" as outlined by swanoir was presented tongue in cheek ('the humus'), many of the subsequent comments and/or links to threads that could/should be included in a FAQ were presented in a more serious tone. And maybe they do make sense as a foundation to a real LD forum FAQ. But I've also sensed something else in these comments that may contribute to the apparent lack of communication between new posters seeking advice and those that regularly frequent this forum and offer it. And that is that the long checklist provided by Miss R must be (or should be) answered in detail before posting. Well, of course not! But it is definitely something worth reviewing and giving some thought to. This checklist, or something very similar, is what most designers utilize when first meeting with a prospective client. It gives them a feeling for what the client wants to do with the property, how they intend to use it, what they hope to get out of it and how much effort (time/$$) are they are intending to put into it. Hopefully, reviewing an outline or checklist such as this could help to refine and focus some of those blank slate questions and even educate those new posters totally unfamiliar with the process the degree of complexity, the number of variables and exactly what is involved in the formulation of a landscape design. Even DIY landscape texts intended for the homeowner with no previous design or landscaping experience offer similar checklists to get one started thinking about the process. Obviously, this is overkill for those questions that are more issue-specific, but I think very appropriate for those that are much broader and far less focused.

I sure hope to attend. I really wanted to take my 3 boys to the special event last Sat but the middle child had a soccer game and the youngest had practice right after the game. I bet it will be the same for the 8th but I am going to be there even though I don't have a lot to exchange. What sort of things are you bringing? What I have are extra seeds, some maple seedlings and I could bring some hostas and Iris's. Any suggestions of what to bring would be nice. We live on several acres and have lots of plants and trees. I could even dig up some of our treasured crocus's. I could also bring daffodils. How about poppies? Does anyone like them? I have lots of seeds and could bring tiny plants. I know they are not supposed to transplant well but I've never had any trouble transplanting them. I actually have been trying to kill off the poppies. They are in a very shady area and look weedy. Doreen I really don't know what anyone is going to want. Doreen

AussieLyn welcome and Merry Christmas. Hope the snow storm isn't making you regret the move. I agree with the others notes about zone. I have a range of zones in my small yard. I think they call that microclimate- anywho winter is a good time to see which areas get a lot of wind and where snow gets dumped. Plants rated zone 7 will survive if I have deep snow over them all winter but will be dead dead dead otherwise. You also have to think about salt exposure and in my case which areas will be gouged by the community snow plow. Someone else mentioned Great Lakes Roses, I like them too. Their web site is www.greatlakesroses.com Nancy is very informative and hosts good workshops.

Kelli I got the package!!! Woohooo we are gonna fool those little squirrelies. :-) Thank you so much. I love feeding the birds and we do have trouble keeping the squirrels out of the food. My DH thought it was pretty cool too...he is the one that fills them for me. What a wonderful surprise! Plusssssssss it came with binoculars!!!!!! Can't wait until this weekend to spy on some birdies. I had a new guy come to the feeder when we had cold weather the other day. A red breasted sap sucker. Very brightly colored fella. Thanks so much again. You really didn't need to go so far out of your way to do that but it's much appreciated. Your packaging job was perfect. Hey...PS..My last name doesn't have an h in it :-) It's Tompkins! It's one of those names that people often add or drop letters from so no big deal. Just thought I'd let you know.