Yard - my initial question presupposed that, since I don't remember reading anything in English sources about dire effects on trees etc., there must be some reason for that in terms of something different there than here (e.g. pests of some sort or other unidentified conditions...) It was probably misleading of me to use the word garden when I was interested in the bigger picture also - although I did also wonder about it in gardens too... (Bahia and Ink's input helped answer that question, as well as a recent post on GW that included comments from an English gardener on controlling ivy in the garden - she does much the same things as I do to control the ivy coming from my neighbours...) It just occurred to me to check the RHS web site re ivy. Interesting... While this doesn't explain why the ivy would be more damaging in areas of North America, it's interesting to see the English perspective on it: "Just how harmful is ivy? Here are some facts that will help you decide; - Ivy growing on trees is often thought to be a serious problem, endangering the health of even very large trees. However, its presence on the trunk is not damaging and where it grows into the crowns this is usually only because the trees are already in decline or are diseased and slowly dying - If the branch canopy becomes thin and allows sufficient light to enter, the ivy will develop into its arboreal form. Fraxinus (ash), a naturally thin, open-crowned tree may suffer heavy infestation, and for this reason ivy on ash trees is often controlled - When trees grown for their stem or bark, such as birch and some acers, keep the stems or trunks free from ivy - On other trees, ivy can be allowed to grow on the trunk, although one problem with very old or damaged trees is that the ivy may hide cavities which, in time, could gradually enlarge and possibly affect stability - Ivy is not a parasite; the short, root-like growths which form along climbing stems are for support only. Its own root system below ground supplies it with water and nutrients and is unlikely to be strongly competitive with the trees on which it is growing - Ivy has much wildlife value. As ground cover in woodland, ivy greatly lessens the effect of frost, enabling birds and woodland creatures to forage in leaf litter during bitter spells. Growing on trees, it provides hiding, roosting, hibernating and nesting places for various animals, birds and insects (including butterflies), particularly during the winter months and in areas where there are few other evergreens. Note: If you are concerned about an old or diseased tree, always seek professional advice from an arboriculturist or tree surgeon." Their recommendation on how to control it when it is an unwanted groundcover and you don't want to use chemicals: "Dig up all stems and woody roots. This may be difficult on heavy soils or where vegetation is very dense. Where the site is not needed for planting, an alternative control method is to clear away all top growth before laying weed-control fabric and a 10-15cm (4-6in) deep layer of bark mulch. Leave in place for at least two growing seasons." I would bet that a big part of the problem here is likely due to the greater presence of evergreen conifers here that are not evolved to live with evergreen vines. I'm not sure about the PNW, but most forest vines here are deciduous, so are likely less stressful on the trees when they climb on an evergreen conifer. And I wonder if the local bird populations have developed a strong preference for this 'exotic' food source... :-) Note that the RHS info only seems to be talking about deciduous trees and makes reference to ivy having value particularly in the absence of evergreen trees. So I think the the difference in the type of trees in forests between here and there is very much likely to be a key factor in how ivy performs in the environment here relative to there.

I did a PDC last year with pretty much no idea what it actually was. It was very much theory based- in fact I was sort of hanging out to be a paying WWOOFer after 8 hours a day of 'school'! I think it varies hugely depending on the tutor- Geoff Lawton, a big cheese in the permy world, taught ours. He does lots of work in deserts and is based in the sub-tropics, so a lot of his info had to go through a 'how does this relate to New Zealand' filter. If you're interested in learning about and using permaculture ideas, I'd read the books and just do it; if you're already really involved and want to get a diploma, get paid as a designer or teach, a PDC is pretty much a requirement. I also was a bit worried about the potential for hand-holding and Gaia-praising, but the PDC was actually very grounded and scientifically presented. If woo-woo freaks you out, stay away from biodynamics! It really works, but it and its adherents can be a bit...intense, shall we say. Just make sure a PDC is offering what you need for your money, and remember intangibles like contacts/friends made and so on. A major part of our experience was learning about (and eating a lot of!) fantastic food, but again take into account the particular interests of the people running the PDC.

Kirk, can you get the pattern on here somehow, those are so cute. Would love to make some with my GK's. They have a nice large window to hang them in. Kids looks so cute & town looks friendly,you also have a great clinic in town, don't know if you know it or not!! My friends that have property up there had a serious problem when he got weak legs & your clinic there did a 1st rate job according to his dr. down here,so Norman Rockwell town with modern caring clinic where everyone was great!! Made a very scary situation much better, they thought they would have to go to Spokane when waitress told them to go to the clinic down the street! Anyway hope you can take a pic of the folded snowflake so we can cut some ourselves otherwise you may get lot of e-mails!! What do you paint them with? Thanks! Jan

Hi Srg215, Wow...well, I'm not totally sure yet but I seem to recall the designer saying "2-3,000" for this carpet (bound as a rug), approximate size 10x14. If that's bound as a rug and delivered, I guess $2000 isn't that much more than $12 0/sq ft, but I'll find out the exact price this week and let you know. I had no idea I could find the same exact product for potentially so much less. Can you give me the info re: your Bergen store and what they call it? Stark calls the pattern "Westfield" and this green color "Spring", or is that only what Stark calls it? Thanks so much. Madeline