Gottagarden, that is really interesting that you say that. I sent you an email pleading you for some amaranth and helianthus/heliopsis seeds as you suggested(which was the one you have?), but figured you didn't have the seeds as I didn't hear back. I was worried I was bugging you! :) Wierd that we are having email troubles. Should we contact gardenweb?

Hi Everyone, Sorry I didn't make it to the swap today.With everything that's been happening and going on with the weather,I totally forgot today is the day.I really was looking forward to seeing you all.We're really trying to clean up everythng and waiting for help getting things back on the house.We have lots of missing shingles to get back on and the back down spout is laying in the back yard still yet,Not to mention pieces of siding blown off are in the far back yard.And of course a very large tree limb thats too heavy for either of us to move plus all the broken tree limbs and trash that comes along with the ride.But we'll get it done.We were without electric and water from Sunday to Wed.I'm very thankful it wasn't any longer then that and no one was hurt.I'm sorry to hear some of you are still in the dark,But know it won't be long now.I'm very grateful to all the workers who gave up time being with their families and loved ones to bring our power back on. I had so many plants to bring today,But like I said"Totally slipped my mind". I guess I will save them for the Spring Swap.I hope to see you all then.I will miss you all so very much!!Hope you had a good one!! I know you did!! I'll be reading when I can get on line to see what you all swapped for and had to eat. Granny57x

lucy you should be alec baldwins daughter... to say "whatever" makes you a rude, thoughtless little pig. I like the article. Thanks for taking the time to put this together. i bought a couple of these on ebay to use in my walk in terrarium and they work wonderfully. one is for reg heat and other is for backup.

from a strictly business standpoint why would Monsanto discontinue a popular & successful cultivar? Because their primary interest is in seeds for commercial production and ichiban doesn't travel well. For a lot of those kinds of plants (things only suitable for small growing) they just bulk license to Bonnie. I liked it. I don't think the flavor was that much superior to ping tung long, but it was a nice thick fruit for an oriental, which made it very versatile. You could use it for Asian style cooking and also for western dishes. I can't make stuffed eggplant with ping tung long. That's why Kuruma is becoming a popular substitute in S FL. It has a good flavor and a larger circumference than most orientals, just like ichiban. ETA Eggplant produces longer into the hot humid weather here than any squash, except maybe luffa.