WOW, way to go, Jenny! I'll send you some Aleve. :D I love all of your plant choices! All of your work makes me itchy to get some yard work done, too. Too much smoke and heat just yet, though. :( Your area looks so refreshing and COOL! Brenda

I am in the market for either Etoile Violette or something like it to go w/my New Dawn climber. I saw a Nelly Moser and several Jackmanni at our local Agway but they were in the quart size milk carton like container and the price was $12.99. I was told Jackmanni might not be big enough to compliment my New Dawn. Anyone know of a nursery in Fairfield/Newtown CT area that has a nice selection of clematis? Also what is the going price for a nice clem in CT? I would love to take a ride to White Flower Farm but that would have to wait until after Easter. suebot sbot@ur.com

Hi Littledog. Section 8 is a wonderful program. They are truly a fine bunch of folks. Unfortunately, our local authority is stretched really thin. A lot of the properties don't get inspected like they should. We had a house across the street from us that was exceptionally bad news. Drug dealing, trashed property, scary people, etc. It had been like that for years. We took on the landlord and, working with HUD, forced an eviction and made the landlord clean up his act. It took a full two years and lots of retaliation and dirty tactics towards us by this butthead owner. I documented the on-going saga of the Pig People on this here site. Yes, Diana, I got my Westie, thanks in large part to you. He can get just as big as he wants. Just on the other side of the fence is a 3 foot by 20 foot area that will be all his. Mr. Westie will sit here above a retaining wall that has about a six foot drop to the neighbor's driveway below. I know it will eventually swallow the fence, but I'm not concerned. It's wonderful to get to say hello to you kiddo! How's trix? Give us an update. Thanks for the compliments, Denise. I'm into my third season growing roses and consider myself a beginner. But I've learned much and am feeling a lot more confident. I've got two new Iceberg Climbers on either side of the arbor. Down the way (out of site in these pix) I've planted and Eden to spill along the fence. Waiting to be planted are the Westerland, Ballerina and Christopher Marlow. I also have The Ferry and have chosen the perfect spot for her. I will certainly be adding clematis right along with the Iceberg on the arbor. I'll have them dotted along the fence here and there as well. See, great minds think alike ;-) Hi again, Napa Kathy! Your gardens sound beautiful. I would love to have that many roses but I have to fight my partner on them. Sort of like Lucy sneaking a new hat past Ricky. I'm up to 16 hats, erm, roses now. So you get your 'maters from Copia, huh? Nice nursery that. We usually get ours from Mid City. They have a very good selection. We actually use them as our primary nursery. Their customer service is top-notch. Family owned and such sweet people. You bet I'm looking forward to the rain tomorrow. It won't be much they say, but it will give me an excuse to sit on my duff sipping coffee all morning. I need a little break. Enjoy! My gums are flapping tonight. I can sure be a windbag LOL. Sowngrow, Lorinscott, Miss Aftermidnight, Michelle - thanks for your comments. I can't wait to show that puppy off this summer. My mouth is watering for a sun ripened heirloom tomato!

I guess starting this off with Cheech and Chong, I should have been prepared for that last one! I just want to go on record as saying that I respect all traditions and beliefs that promote peace and brotherhood. In my garden and home you will find Christian, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Taoist, Hopi, Lakota... all sorts of spiritual symbols - all directed toward increasing comity. And the only weed I've been involved with for many years is the kind I need to remove from my hostas!