Thanks, Liz. We always have such a wonderful time. There's nothing much better than sharing friendships in the garden, and discovering new friendships. I look forward to this so much. The week of the social is going to be completely crazy with other commitments ... but I wouldn't miss this for anything. Let's hope for nice weather. If it isn't, we'll just take the party inside. Connie

Oh, please don't be distracted by the fact I put October 18th, either! I was overly excited. Isn't there someone in charge of these boards who will just remove or correct my misleading error? Christine

Dawn, My husband recycled an old rooftop antenna stand (a funky tripod,) and a patio umbrella to make a large portable umbrella. When the girls were younger I could follow them all around the yard as they played in the dirt, or I could move it over their kiddie pool as the sun moved overhead. Now I will use it in the garden, so I guess I can't use the "heat of the day" excuse to stay inside...lol. He also uses these u-shaped rebar things as stakes, because if it is windy, the umbrella will topple. We have a mantis, too that we got used from a neighbor when they moved. It has been awesome. Larry, last year when we "built" our garden with cinder blocks, I quickly ran out of steam and used that same shoveling method!! We had to move dirt, lay down the chicken wire (for moles and gophers) and then lay out the blocks. Then we had to fill the beds with dirt again. MANY times I questioned the plan, especially when I was planted on my butt and shoveling when I couldn't stand anymore. We have 7 beds that are 3x18, and a long one that goes across the tops of the others (kind of like a comb). This forum is so valuable to me, I have learned so much in the last year!! I really appreciate hearing everyone's experiences as you plot and execute your garden plans! Tonight we ate yukon gold potatoes with green beans and onions, herbs and sausage with cornbread. The sausage and cornbread were the only storebought items! It was a celebration!! Jammie

I am back with a question. These did not have the sender's name on the packet so I have to address my query generally. I received a packet labeled simply "creeping yellow daisy". It may be just what I have been looking for. Would whoever sent that please let me know what it is-just the Genus would be a big help! As far as I know it could be a Sanvitalia, Wedelia trilobata, or Chrysanthemum paludosum, but I am sure there are other possibilities. Thanks! Alana