Hi gldnol, Yes should be good seminars. hristie_sw_mo did do online research but some of it's conflicting. And, since she got her plants from me a few seasons ago, she thought it best to ask me directly. *wink* Generally though, I do usually direct people to the Missouri University Extension Agricultural Publications as well as Ohio State University's Home and Garden Publications for any gardening related question. There are many more excellent opportunities to learn at these Sustainable Garden Seminars. Looks like there are over 50 people signed up for many of them so there's good interest out there. Many of them are free if you just call to register. It's always nice to be around other gardeners and I always pick up some tidbits I can use in my own gardening.

All of the so-called Mediterranean herbs will do very well indeed. Don't worry about the humidity - they love it, despite what you've probably read! And they can also handle our summer downpours. That means lavender, any of the salvias, Winter Tarragon, basils, fennel, yarrow, dill, thymes, rosemary, savory, hyssop, patchouli and a whole bunch more. The best of living near Brisbane, is that you can also grow tropical herbs like ginger, lemongrass, galangal, cardamom, chillies (which add excellent colour when in fruit) etc. Just make sure you provide good drainage for all of them. The only herbs which don't do so well here are the cool-climate ones. I've have no luck keeping meadowsweet or sweet woodruff, for instance, and chamomile has to be kept well-shaded to survive. The mints do well in partial shade. But anise and coriander and rocket tend to bolt to seed in the blink of an eye - definitely only winter crops. Parsley prefers partial shade, chives will go anywhere. Bay does well, also things like curry plant and Curry Leaf Tree. I see plenty of roses around, but I have only a tiny tea-rose in my all herb/vege courtyard garden. Nasturtiums do brilliantly well, and can get out of control. Lemon verbena will lose its leaves in winter, but bounce back early in spring. Just remember that Brisbane is a BIG city, and the western suburbs are prone to frosts in winter. I'm lucky to be living close to the coast, so I get no frosts. But I lived for a short while not far from Ipswich, and my herbs all survived no problem.

I live in Brisbane, and I have an all-herb garden. The herbs LOVE it! There are some I keep in pots either because they have a yearning for world domination (mints) or because they'd get too big if planted in the garden (cardamom) or because they have weed tendency (feverfew), or because they prefer a little shade (mints again). The Mediterranean herbs like rosemary, basil, sage, thyme etc really do well here - just give them good drainage in case we get our much-needed summer tropical rains back again! You don't say where you're coming from, but if from a somewhat cooler climate, I suggest leaving the plants in their pots for now, and let them acclimatise for a while, then perhaps plant some out in autumn, or else wait until next spring. Most plants are much happier in the garden than in pots, and potted plants are really high maintenance, remember. You'll need to water them more often while they're in pots - an issue in SE Qld with water restrictions - currently Level 4 in Brisbane ie buckets only, on alternate days except Mondays.

Well there was a tremendous crowd at the expo this morning (Saturday) to such an extent that it was almost impossible to take photos of the larger exhibits. I had the opportunity to talk to some terrific people, everyone seemed enthusiastic. Our own table , the International Tropical Foliage & Gardening Society, drew many folk, thanks mainly to the fabulous floral and plant arrangements, courtesy of a donor for the broms and cordylines, and to two generous members for their garden contributions of gingers, heliconias, brom flowers and fabulous foliage. Apologies to the girls, I never even asked their consent to post these! Gulp am I in trouble, but they are a lot easier on the eye than me! There was too little time to see everything while trying to do my duty (and too many distractions to do my duty properly - again, apologies girls if you read this). But some of the displays were wonderful, lots of interesting things, talks, people. One day left, I think it would be worth a visit but then I have never been to such a large display before. Be ready for inching round, though. Jenny with Carol, our Border district co-ordinator, who has dedicated much time to making the ITF&GS stand such a success. Some of the fantastic flowers at the stand Jenny with part of the other side of the display