Thank you for asking maidinmontana ... sounds like an excuse to post some pictures, LOL! I did end up digging down 8" - 10" after removing the sod, bought a half yard of compost from a local garden center, then added about 20 bags of organic composted top soil. The soil level is actually a few inches above the original sod height, so it is kind of a semi-raised bed. The edging is holding all the dirt in well, but the grass has managed to sneak some runners underneath. Then my DH built a trellis for me out of some left over cedar from the fence. Before: After: As far as WS goes, I had good germination on my herbs and veggies, but between the 12 hours a day of high altitude full sun exposure, and the lack of protection from the wind, there have been some casualties. There is only one dill seedling left, one marjoram seedling, a couple of tiny thyme seedlings, and a few sick looking basil seedlings. The peppers sprouts were all eaten by something once they were planted out. It wasn't a total failure though. The oregano is finally starting to grow some, and the swiss chard is taking off now too. WS Swiss Chard 'Bright Lights' I have to say that the things that are doing the best were all direct sown - the carrots, bush beans, cucumbers, and the 'Jack B. Little' pumpkins. Jack B. Little pumpkins: I will probably do some WS again this year so that I can feel like I'm gardening while it's below zero outside, but I might stick with annuals, and perennials, and just direct sow the veggies/herbs or start some in the kitchen windowsill. The basil, and parsley that I sowed in pots in the kitchen windowsill (south facing) are much bigger and healthier looking than the ones WS and planted in the garden. I know these results differ from many of the success stories on this forum, but the high desert/mountain climate here makes gardening more difficult than many areas of the country. My problems weren't with the WS process, but keeping things alive once they were planted out. I'd love to hear how it went for other WS'ers from this part of the country! And post some pics if you have them.

Hi you.. I don't use the FE and Neem at once..If I have a severe break out, that is if, I use just the Neem and treat all my plants at night or early am, out from the sun.. I use the FE as a preventative which so far has worked wonders for me.. I had to use the Neem on plants I forgot to spray with FE all summer, and use it on plants that got attacked by someone else's plants infested at work.. Use them separately, Neem only with an infestation you can not get rid of, and the FE as a general spray for a preventative, although I know some that use FE and to smother the sucking insects that will not handle the oils.I spray in the am, even when the sun on them with the FE, and my plants never burn..I suppose the oil on Neem is much mr potent and stronger... Now in relation to your plants, I would spray them all with Neem only. Put a 1/2 teaspoon of soap, dish washing unless you have natural, and shake it well...Spray the underneath and tops of leaves. Spray the whole trunk, branches and pots.. If Rhizzo sees this thread, she may have a bit more to add.. DO NOT SPRAY this Neen oil during the hot part of the day, Tonight is good, and so is the am..I wish you had coco wet..I put this in everything to help improver sticking and wetting of anything I ned to stay on the leaves.. After a few days, start spraying down your plants at least once a week with FE.. Let us know what you do and take pictures, ok..:-) Mike

Laura, (snicker), thanks so much. I would absolutely love the you-tube link you mentioned...send it to msmmetz@aol, or... post it on this thread. (I'm sure others would enjoy it too.) And yes, please do post a picture of the butterfly hatchery. I've had these random thoughts of adding bat and bee houses lately! A butterfly hatchery sounds much more appealing, and undoubtedly much safer. You noticed my "thing" for hoyas, a new addiction started last summer, right around the time I joined the forum. I went a wee bit crazy, but I'm clamping down now, I swear. Lisa, I do indeed need to share a picture of the gargoyle, and photos of Coconut Art from the resident artiste'. (Assuming you noted "Oh No! Mr. Bill" coconut art at the top of the shade house.) That's just the tip of the iceberg. The shadehouse isn't hurricane worthy (yet). (Ever?) Ah, we'll get around to it, we always have time, right? Cheerios, M

Neet, Eddie Trunk has a good free downloadable podcast with an interview with JY, Tommy, and Gowan. I listened to it yesterday. The Muse/30 seconds to Mars show was interesting. Muse is really good even though they are more electronic than we listen to (though we also like Garbage), and 30 Seconds to Mars was enjoyable, though I prefer a clean-shaven Jared Leto vs. beard. One of DH's paralegals goes nuts for him, so she was there with a big group of friends. Right after 30 Seconds to Mars finished, they had to evacuate the lawn and non-covered seating due to a severe thunderstorm coming in. At least the storm brought the temperature down. Even though we were under the shed, we got soaked the wind blew the rain that crazy. Some wild straight-line winds. There was a 90 min delay and Muse wound up coming on at 10:15 and they did do a full set until 11:45. They apparently can go after 11 the event of a weather delay. However, this meant we got home about 12:45 a.m. We've got a lull in concerts for a few weeks, then picks up again. But we had three large shows in two weeks, so not bad.