Hi Jim, You got some really good brug cultivars there. I have heard a lot of very good things about MISS EMILY MACKENZIE. I would like to give you some information on Autumn Treasure. This cultivar is one that I hybridized a few years ago. It is a pretty good brug. It is a vigorous grower, has large waxy blooms, that can last several days in the right conditions. The fragrance is a nice citrus. There is one negative attribute to this brug though. And that is, the corolla (bloom) does not open up fully like the vast majority of brugs do. But those who have grown this brug for me did not mind that at all. Below is a comparision picture of the color of the summer blooms versus the color of the fall blooms. But remember, the bloom color of any brug can be affected by many things. Such as temperatures, fertilizers, time of year, the ph and hardness of the water, etc., etc. I am sure you will enjoy it though.

Hi Mike, good to here from you. These conifers came in this week from the nursery I buy most of my conifers from. I did not special order these but I do occasionally special order certain conifers I want to compliment my garden. The buyer for this nursery a conifer collector also and I got to be friends with him when I worked part time their to pay for my conifer addiction. I don't know where there is a nursery that compares with this one in a 400 mile radius of KC. Many rare and unusual conifers for sale. The Pinus p. 'Hagaromo' is a very slow grower and fits into small restricted areas well. I am always looking for those hard to find offerings and the 'Blue Tear Drop' is one that a true collector never passes up. It speaks for itself. In Kansas City it was 68F. yesterday and 63F. today. I have moved out of the dreary confines of this house into the outdoors. Hopefully Mike you won't be far behind. Things look like they have wintered over well and I plan to do some serious butt kicking in the garden this year. Had all winter to think about it. Going to be fun. Dave

Welcome hummingbirddaisy. I agree, new things are starting all the time and you are right: it is a great place to be! Lots of helpful folks here, so ask any questions along the way, and you are sure to get answers about swapping/sending. Each Pal or Swap will have a hostess and part of their 'job' is to answer your questions as well. Have fun! Poochella

mariaocean - Can't tell if you were up late or up early - but good Saturday morning!! It was cool this morning (57*) and I really wanted to sleep in, but little Murphy wanted out, then in because he was cold, then out again. Guess it's time to dig out his little winter sweaters for these cool early mornings. The other 2 dogs have heavy undercoats and long hair so they are relishing the cool. Am off in a bit to do some shopping. Normally, I do one big shopping trip per month, but in the last couple of weeks have had to go into town several times. It's 25 miles to the nearest town of any size. I'm really a country gal at heart, so being out here in the boonies suits me just fine. Have a great weekend. :)