We can actually go to Scottdale in a few weeks, so that's a great suggestion. Thanks. I have a friend who has a cryptomeria and I LOVE it. It completely screens out a narrow area in his yard and it is very healthy and thick. I don't want anything that grows very wide, and I want something that grows fast. Have Leylands and I don't like them. I have a magnolia 'Little Gem' as a counterpoint in the corner of the lot as it shows the gorgeous bronze underside of it's leaf. I'm not a big hollylover although I did keep one or two as "fill" but I really don't like the evergreen hollies as a matter of personal taste. I admit to not being a huge tree/large shrub knowledgable person, but I still want something that offers some sort of visual interest as a backdrop. I don't think there is any way to totally screen out the back yard neighbours, but an obscuring of the view would be nice. There are an awful lot of windows on that back wall!! GGG

Anyone else at Blanchette's today? It was absolutely mobbed. Everything was 25% off. I was buying Hostas for the NEHS summer Auction. Believe me it is hard to find plants that collectors don't already have, but Blanchette's has some older culitivars that are not being sold in many places today. In any case I had to park on the street and wait in line for about an hour, that's how crowded it was. No wagons or carts available, I just had to drag flats full of plants to the register. The line was as long as the one at Space Mountain. Still it was a good time as we all talked plants while standing in line. It seemed like everyone had at least one plant that they were "expert" with. It was common to see someone leave the line, to get another plant while someone held their place. I think I'll go back, but I'll wait until the crowds calm down. They are holding regular hours this year. The inventory will likely draw down, but the plants are great and the prices can't be beat. Steve

Hello All! On my way home tonite, I did indeed stop at K&K. Browsed around until I saw the man I recognized as the owner. He was curteous as always, asking if I needed any help and I just flat out asked him straight up if they were affiliated and were they closing! He chuckled, rolled his eyes and shook his head. He said several people had been by asking the same thing which he said he really appreciated. I spoke for our little group and told him there were several of us that shop there often as it's great on prices and selection, not to mention helpful staff. He told me if I could help get the word out, he'd appreciate it. He said one of their vendors even sent him an e-mail expressing his condolences! Can you imagine? Almost like reading your own obituary in the paper! ha! So folks, they're still there and very much still in business! (seedmama & boomer - aren't you relieved??? I am!) btw - they are having a good sale on end-of-the-season items like tomatoes & peppers, along with several things like Alberta Spruce. And no, I didn't buy anything....this time. But I've got my eye on this certain chiminea...=). Paula

I got 3 Sansevierias but I am strongly tempted by the African geophytes (e.g. whatever that first pic is and they have boophane, pricey though). She's getting a new shipment of Sans soon. They go to AZ to pick up plants I heard. I'll be going back for hand-thrown pots, some are really nice for not too much $$, and top dressings. I've been to California Cactus Center, this nursery is very similar but it has a gift shop too and more Sans plus it's very close to me. I'm all for shopping at all of them to keep them all afloat - more selection & price competition that way. There is a 3rd C&S nursery on Saticoy in Reseda, I forgot the name but it has huge sheet metal dinosaur sculptures out front. No top dressings or anything, I think it's wholesale but open for retail a couple days a week.