Our yard is "designed" for people and animals. And to camouflage homlier aspects of the property (raised septic system). We arrived at what we have because we needed to solve practical problems on a limited budget. We wanted to be able to "stroll around the grounds" when we call for the cats at the end of the day and when the dog must be taken outdoors for the first/last wee-wee of the day. Having defined "rounds" makes it more fun for us and gives all pets a chance to mark territory, "stalk" and ambush us, and the paths allow wheelbarrows and such to be easily rolled to a worksite. The plantings routinely absorb the full tilt onslaught of a 100 lb. dog and while I don't LOVE it, EH! he lives here, too and he isn't destructive in general. Neither of us complains when the dog must be taken out... it's a pleasant ramble in a peaceful setting. Even in the winter. The fact that the paths have allowed my elderly mother the opportunity to walk safely and enjoy plantings was serendipitous; but her physical and mental health have prospered because she is able to "go for a walk" several times a day. The "tabled" lawn over the septic system provides the interesting perspective of being able to look down on rather large, lush plants while the perimeter path allows you to look up at them... FUN, and again serendipitous. It wouldn't win any prizes, I'm sure. But it works for our family and isn't that what really counts in the final analysis?

WOW,Hawaii! I would really be interested in any and all the seeds that you listed. I am just starting out collecting and swapping again and don't really have anything to offer you, I'm sorry. I am still interested if you are willing to send them if I sent you a SASE? Please let me know, It would be a real adventure to receive something from Hawaii and actually grow it. Thank you, Toni appetoni@yahoo.com

If you are sending commercial packets, then there won't be any problem with sending seeds to Hawaii. If these are non-commercial seeds, then it might be best if you had them inspected by your state agricultural office before sending them. Otherwise the post office may end up confiscating the seeds. Postage to Hawaii is the same as any other state. Packages get expensive if you use any method other than the post office, though. Lettuce grows well here and we even have a few varieties which are almost a specialty. "Manoa" type lettuce is lovely. The easiest way to get seeds for it is to order it from the University of Hawaii: http://www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/seed/seeds.asp#lettuce

Thanks for giving the links to these threads. So far it looks like people are having a pretty neutral experience with it (maybe a little more negative than postive), but it doesnt seem to really protect the plant more than 2-3 degrees (which is the temp a much cheaper cover can efficently keep). Maybe they will come out with a more improved one in the near future but I dont plan on ordering freeze proof until I hear some more positive comments. Good luck!