Have you been to the National Arboretum in NE Washington, DC? 10 minutes from the capitol. We were just there three weeks ago. An amazing collection of many bonsai, penjing, suiseki. When we were there, there was a juried show of ikebana. The extrordinary bonsai (several are gifts from heads of state from their personal collections) are in a series of pavillions and gardens, including a Japanese stroll garden, a walled Chinese garden, a Chinese scholar's room and an exhibition hall and open-air display areas for the bonsai. Have a wonderful trip! PS - You might get more responses if you post this in the discussions side of the forum.

Yep - that's Mike's site. He loves his hostas. Although if you are looking for a particular hosta, I would call him first. He does run out, and he steadily gets new ones in. He does have perennials, shrubs, a little of everything, and I can always find something I like. Not many annuals, not sure about roses. Give him a call, and make sure you talk to Mike. His dad is..... Just talk to Mike.

Hello All, I do n't want to be the last to celebrate a wonderful weekend, but my internet connection has been fussy. I can't write much because I have to run out and plant a couple of things I got on the Vineyard. I have some wonderful souvenirs, a few of which were bought at the expense of peace of mind about getting to the ferry. But the best souvenir is the experience of gracious hosts, a48 hours of garden imersion, an excellent dinner, getting to see new and old friends, and a newfound appreciation of potential for relationships through the web. Of all the things computers mean to me, these gardening relationships are the most prized. In fact, since the computer is just a tool, it is really amazing that something so alive was discovered and nurtured through computer relationships. So, thank you Katie and Joe, Nan, Mindy and Debra, the weather gods, and whatever/whoever had a hand in this special gift./Idabean Marie

I will add the Jingu family had a tea and snack room in the structure where the restaurant is now located. This is in part how they made a living. I have always been confused about San Antonio Sunken Gardens being originally, and now again being called Japanese Garden. From all I know the style is strongly Chinese and in no way Japanese. The Jingu family was supposedly from Japan, but the style is Chinese. The Japanese Garden In Golden Gate Park, San Francisco is one of my favorites. The Japanese family that created that garden was also evicted in WWII. They had a large house/structure in the garden and owned some of the more valuable plants. They rented the house for events. When evicted they took apart the house ( built without nails Japanese style) and moved it to a lot they owned and sold the plants. Some justice was served. A wealthy patron bought the plants and moved them to her estate, but gifted them back to the gardens in her will.