Tree planting, next phase: Along with two of my sisters, I traveled earlier this month in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine. We did not make it to Suzy Verrier's nursery but that is at the top of my list for the next trip. While we were a bit too early for the fall leaf season, we did see trees, lots of gorgeous trees. Now all but one of the trees I planted this past January survived, but I do still see a few empty spaces remaining. I have ordered three more trees for planting this fall, one Pinus edulis (two-needled pinyon pine) and two Pinus brutia eldarica (Afghan pine). Both of these species can get by on our average 15" of rain per year once established, though they need to be watered for the first year or two. I may add a couple more pinyon pines if the first one does well. I like the idea of the pine nuts, and you need more than one to get them, kind of like apples. I have been wanting more conifers in the landscape. We do have a some, mostly redwoods and cedars. The pine native to my area is Pinus sabiniana, (gray pine and other names) were long ago completely removed. I keep thinking of planting one. Who knows? Perhaps one day I will. There is still room for one. Rosefolly This post was edited by rosefolly on Thu, Sep 26, 13 at 17:16

Shirley, yes, your picnic basket arrived yetserday. I opened late last night.....so wonderful!!!!! I received.... *Lilies....Hot Line,Mona Lisa and Stargazer.... *Chocolate Ball Sedum, Coral Reef Chinese Sedum *Caladium Postman Joyner *Two pairs of Atlas gloves...I am with you, love these! *Basil Herb garden *Lots of post its.....love these little babies! *Fall napkins *Fall journal *Russell Stover Mint paddies *A Green Hummingbird Wind Chime....cute!!! Love it all! I will go picnicing with you anytime! Thanks so much Shirley! And Vina, Daylily Col. Mustard, arrived yesterday as well. Thanks so much! Thanks again for hosting!! Awesome picnic baskets and great humor all the way around! Maria, my Mom also told me to butt out of things that are not my business. I would most definitley say, this is one of those times! Happy Thursday! Annie This post was edited by canyonwind on Thu, Oct 3, 13 at 12:31

I received my lovely selection of seeds in today's mail. I am so glad I asked for "One Singular Sensation" - you all have some very nice thoughts on this, and I can't wait to try them out. I found it interesting that 2 different players claimed gorgeous red hollyhocks as their outstanding plants. I have a perfect place for hollyhocks, which tend to do very well in this area, and am excited about adding these to my garden. Thank you, Michelle - I know first-hand these swaps are not easy to host, and I appreciate your hard work! Kim

Just perfect Melinda, that apron was meant for you! Couldn't believe I saw you post a pic on FB with that saying and here I had sent the package with that apron. Telepathy or something!!!! The jam I will send to you as an email once I jot it down. This was my first year making it, and it won't be my last. It's been a real winner. I have an insane collection of Santa's. He's the tallest one I have. My granddaughter sometimes calls him her pretend grandpop! I thought he was a beauty when I first laid eyes on him, and lo and behold, after Christmas one year, he was marked down by 50%, so I treated myself. Still more than I would have normally wanted to put out, but I think at that time, I had a bunch of money!!!!! He's a little over 5' tall. Shirley, why not take a different month? And I'll light a fire under Carol's butt....she's just coming back from her grandson's wedding, so it takes her a little time to get back in to the groove. I fell like I have been doing laundry all weekend...two loads to go for the wash and then i'm done for a few weeks or more. Got all the new Christmas clothes down for everyone, and everybody gets new sheets and stuff, aside from the regular dirty stuff, and i'm pooped. kitchen is clean, dog is bathed, i'm halfway there with my contribution for new years. this coming week i'll tackle my granddaughter's room...best to do that when she's at school. then it's time for the basement which I dread, but it needs to be organized, once again Well, hope everyone has a great New year celebration. We are heading up the mountains, probably the last time until the spring. We'll spend it with some dear friends - no muss, fuss or drama, just good laughs and memories. dreary day today ~~ cold and rainy...bone cold YUCK! stay well, stay warm, maryanne