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 wish I had written down everything DH told me he wanted me to post about his impressions of the day, because now I can't remember it! He listens more than he talks.(Has to, I never shut up and he can't get a word in edge-wise!) But, when he does talk it's all good. He really fell for Connie's and Robert's gardens. These are the first personal gardens of any size that he's been in. And he loved it. I'm not good enough with words to do either of these gardens justice, but I will try. When our GPS said we had arrived at our destination we both were looking around thinking that it was wrong. The first thing DH said was, "I don't see any flowers." But, there were cars so we squeezed in at the edge of the driveway and headed around back. Let me tell you- there's a "whole 'nother" world behind Robert's house! I don't know how many years he has been working on it, but it is so lush. Lots of structures and many roses overhead. There are mature trees that give much needed shade on a hot day as well as the mature roses. We couldn't take it all in. I walked around with my mouth hanging open. There weren't many blooms left, but we expected that. There was still so much to see. Alfred asked me later how many houses Robert had, that he thought he counted at least 4. I only saw 1 actual house (And maybe an apartment over the garage. If there was another I missed it), but at least 4 other buildings that Robert had used to create different garden areas. Oh why didn't I have the presence of mind to take more pictures? I know that some of us have dial-up, so I will just post this one here and post the rest on the gallery. I tried the smaller size, but it didn't show up well enough. Please forgive my amateur 'point & shoot' photos. When I took this I was sitting on Robert's patio with my back to his house looking down across one area of his back yard. On my left (out of pic) is a tall garden wall with a see through iron gate that connects his house to his garage. Through the gate and across the driveway is a small greenhouse and a HUGE rose garden with a rose tunnel as well as other structures for the roses. On the other side of the rose garden is a 'Ginormous' (that's what my grandkids would call it) fishing pond! Just out of the pic in front of me and to the left is a shady area with a small fish pond providing the cooling sound of water. So peaceful. On my right is the wonderful outdoor 4 season kitchen. A true room (floor, ceiling, walls wrapped in windows) with all of the amenities-sink,fridge,cabinets,tables,chairs, including a huge brick fireplace. I can just imagine sitting in front of a roaring fire looking down across the garden watching it snow. Behind the kitchen is another large patio with a pergola. You can catch a glimpse of the end of it. Below Robert and Jim and to the right a tiny bit is a dining area that will be enclosed when the roses and companion vines grow over the arches. You can see some of them and the umbrella over the table if you look really hard! Lots of thought, planning and hard work went into this garden. I can't wait to go back. Since I've written a book here, I'll stop for now. See you in the gallery, Betty

Shirley, I am so terribly sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. You and your family are in my prayers. Melinda, Fran, and Sassy, thanks for catching those woopsies. I've done it a few times in my recipes too. Dianne, your daylily is beautiful and the Riverwalk is so peaceful looking. How lucky you are to have that near you! Thank you everyone for all the wonderful recipes! I am so excited and proud of everyone for all their contributions! This is a great bunch of people and I can't wait to get the finished product out to all of you who made this possible. Sassy, I wanted to say a special thank you to you sweetie. This was a fantastic idea and is a wonderful way of pulling together all these amazing people from all over the country. You are a great lady. Thank you! Ok, I am off to vote and then get back to sorting the recipes. Keep sending those pictures to me. You can post here or email them to me. Thanks gang! Tracy

I have MaMa’s address if anyone wants to send the family a card, message me and I will give you the address. I intend to enclose a check to help her family with expenses. I saw on another post someone ask about setting up a GoFundMe account to help but don’t they keep a percentage of the funds? I want the family to receive the entire amount of what I donate, that is why I’m sending a check directly to the family.