Ciao all, I hope everyone had a great day out in the garden today. I know it's a back to work day for most people, but my goodness, what glorious weather to be outside. Thanks to all of you for such interesting trades and also for your knowledge and wisdom regarding perennials. I have SO much to learn about them still, thanks for your patience in answering my newbie questions. Tristan grabbed some things from the middle circle which I have no clue regarding the names of the plants or what sort of care they need, so as soon as I'm able, I'm hoping to post some pictures of them for ID. I'm so excited about all the lilacs! They're small, but I know they'll fill that space nicely and I can't wait to discover what colours they turn out to be. I put the dahlias in full sun and just barely covered the root/tuber/rhizome thingies. I hope that's what they need. Tomatoes/eggplants/peppers/tomatillos/basil all got a full day outside and tomorrow will be their first major dose of full sun. I'm hoping to get them in the ground before the weekend. Duane finished 2 additional tomato beds as a birthday present for me and got all the 8' stakes in this morning. The soaker hoses are all in place and now it's just a matter of waiting a few days for the plants to get fully hardened off. Big hugs to all of you, I wish the weather had been more pleasant but it was still a very fun event and thanks again to sydseeds for organizing the swap and for everyone's wonderful enthusiasm and generosity. Get planting everyone!! Julianna

I think you're on the right track, just be patient. You should leave the gourds on the vine until the stems are brown and dry. You should also notice that the gourds are becoming lighter in weight and possibly losing their bright green color. Some will begin turning brown or tan in spots. When you harvest, leave at least 4 inches of stem on the gourd, and don't lift or handle the gourd by the stem. As for cutting a hole for drainage.....that seems risky to me. (possibly an entry port for insects or bacteria) The water in the gourd is part of the fiber...much like the fiber surrounding the seed in a pumpkin or a squash. The process of evaportion is a part of the curing of the gourd. Again, be patient. Put your harvested gourds behind the garage, under the deck...somewhere they will have adequate air circulation. Check them every few weeks to check for rotted gourds, etc. Don't panic if you see mold...that's part of the curing process. It could take up to six months or more, but it will be worth it. Jan

I am on the MA/CT border, just south of Worcester. My peas are in the ground, about 6-8" of growth. I also took a chance and planted some of my green beans, although I usually wait until May for those. I did inquire on a different posting and many have put in a number of cold hardy vegs. I just divided and transplanted some hostas, bee balm, day lily and irises over the past 2 weeks. I have purchased plants, flowers, herbs, etc. from The Farmer's Daughter in Auburn and was very satisfied with their knowledge and selection. Also Spags always has a lot of plants and always has soil and accesories so its one stop. Logees in Danielson, CT has all the unusual plants you'd ever want, big on tropicals. They have a number of very old greenhouses that are fun to go through. Other than that, for my flower boxes, I go to 2 small local nurseries here in Thompson, CT. I try to shop local more these days. This year I am starting a lot more of plants and vegetables from seed. Susan

All the salvias are incredible . How did I forget about them. Shame on me. Salvia madrensis is good for part shade to shade-, Black and blue salvia makes a great bed in the sun to part sun, Salvia regla likes sun with a little protection from afternoon sun is a gorgious fall and spring bloomer but it needs drainage and might not like your clay.. If you can plant it where it gets a slash of setting sun hitting it late october to light up the blooms. what a treat. The Mexican sages like lolly jackson are great performers and beautiful Salvia invulcrata also won't mind the clay and moisture. Salvia farenacia is good. Salvia Augusta duelberg is a stunning white salvia and it will take full sun. blue oak salvia is sweet in ful sun. So many salvias will fit your bill. And don't forget the Texas sages (not a salvia)for late summer color.Intense sun won't faze them and no water will not hurt them either.Salvia coccinea are anual salvias that will seed themselves in full shade and part sun. cedar salvias will seed themselves and form a groundcover slowly under cedar trees.