Well, probably like you suspected, that is mostly wishful thinking. There are just way, way too many plants in the hobby these days. However, in my experience, if you got the following three books, it'd be a good start... Succulents: The Illustrated Dictionary Succulents II: The New Illustrated Dictionary Cacti: The Illustrated Dictionary They are all available at Amazon, and might also be at a well stocked local bookstore, particularly in SoCal or Florida.

Sounds like a neat show! I looked all over the internet to see if I could find an online version but I couldn't find episode three that features country gardens. I did find these interesting pieces though: Ryan Gainey discusses is romantic country garden http://www.gardensoftheworld.org/page23/page23.html Penelope Hobhouse's garden http://www.gardensoftheworld.org/page22/page27/page27.html Whole episodes from the series: Public Gardens & Trees http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=6009631878710490917# Formal Gardens http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=8032930149173398671# Behind the scenes in filming the series: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODrWKkMfrfg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8DvWk642ZBM

Hi Kirsten, I think your idea is great! I live just south of your area, in Rockland County, but we also have a far-reaching library system. I would love to see any and all of your suggestions implemented. Maybe the place to start is local gardening clubs. I guess you'd just do a search on the computer and see what pops up for your area. Or call you local Cooperation Extension. They are always very helpful. Good luck, and keep us informed of your progress.

Have you thought about organizing a hosta society? Most of the time, tours are usually sponsored thru a club or society. Are there any other gardening clubs in your town? Another thought is to maybe set up your tour as a charitable event. As for the thought of a "real life" forum... tours really don't do much to foster relationships, unless its a bus tour where you have time to chat with your neighbor. But even then, people tend to visit with those they know, not so much with strangers. This is where the gardening club/hosta society is going to come in. If you think you might want to start a society, I'd go to the American Hosta Society facebook page and ask how to start one there, or maybe the Hallson's forum. If there is already a local society, perhaps you can draw interest from the membership. Food is a great way to get people to linger in a garden. Perhaps you could set up your tour as a progressive dinner? Or a pot luck/progressive? 1 house has 4 people bring appetizers, next 1: 4 salads, next 4 entrees, next 4 desserts? Ok, now, from the garden host's perspective. Being on a tour is intimidating. We (the host) have this notion that our garden should be pristine, finished (no works in progress), weed free and perfect before anyone sees them. I don't know how to tell you to get people to relax, but when I had my 2 garden parties in June, I knew they were both going to be groups of gardeners, so they'd understand if things weren't perfect. But if I were on a public tour, I think I'd feel more pressure. Not sure how to tell ya how to get possible hosts to be willing to look past imperfection, but it's going to be a stumbling block. Also, choose a time of the season when hosta gardens look their best. Here in the twin cities that time is in mid to late June.... before the heat really sets in. If it's going to be a general garden tour, maybe July is best, since there is going to be more in bloom. Good luck!