I winter sowed for the first time last year and couldn't believe that it actually worked. I am sold on the idea of sowing in the winter and have started to collect milk containers. Besides it saves $'s on the electric bill for the greenhouse. NEED SEEDS? I have posted the above seed exchange in the round robbin exchange already if anyone is interested in joining. Sign-ups are until October 31st. Thanks! Ellie

From what I can see, I wouldn't, but of course you have to live with the tree. I don't see any aesthetic drawbacks to doing what I suggested because the two branches we're talking about will emerge so close to the main leader that they will 'read' as originating from the main leader. I have several maples in the landscape and a couple of dozen in containers. I prune healthy trees any time I feel like it - usually with a purpose/plan, but with no regard to 'bleeding'. I recommend late dormancy pruning for two reasons. Branches that need pruning and o/a form are much more visible - the future growth habit of the tree more readily discernible, and the chance of disease spread is reduced greatly. The healing of any pruning wounds is more rapid in spring/early summer than at any other period in the growth cycle, so for me, that clinches the case for late winter/early spring pruning. I've never seen a case documented where 'bleeding' affected the long or short term vitality of an Acer, much less a documented case of a tree 'bleeding to death'. I often suggest that if the sap flow is a concern - wait until the tree appears to be resting after the spring growth flush has matured. There should be very little bleeding then. You can also make a case for late dormant pruning from an energy management perspective. What sense does it make to prune the growth off immediately after the tree has spent nearly all its energy reserves to build it. If you prune BEFORE budswell, the tree will move energy from the roots into the remaining organs and not the parts you intend to remove. Al

The tubular flower with the swollen throat, purple stem, upright habit, and foliage shape tell me this is one of the Strybing forms of Salvia disjuncta. On the east coast, the Logee form of disjuncta is more common. Logee form is much more of a spreader, erect only when well established and growing robustly. It has fruity scented foliage and the stem is not so pigmented. Both are really late bloomers outside of California and maybe Florida

Hi Marti, To be honest, I've been so focused on my "side" of the trades that I have forgotten. I love asters and if you have one for me, I will love it. I'm so sorry that you aren't coming, but do understand about hubby's and projects. The trick is to get your hubby involved and bring him with you :-). I hope Sylvia's coming in a vehicle large enough for your brug because I don't want to bring it back home :-) Anyway, happy home improvements! Can you send your hubby over to help scape the rest of the popcorn off my ceilings? Just joking :-) I can't paint my walls or redo the floors until we get the ceiling done also and we need a kick start on it. Pam