So I did a search and found an interesting study on collected rain water quality. Here's the link (hope it works here): http://www.harvestingrainwater.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Effect-of-Roof-Material-on-Water-Quality-for-Rainwater-Harvesting-Systems.pdf In short, metal roofs seem the best in terms of low contamination, but none are really that bad as far as irrigation water is concerned. There are some studies which point to asphalt shingles as being good in terms of PAH (organic hydrocarbon) contamination. But there are conflicting conclusions on that. http://www.thecenterforrainwaterharvesting.org/2_roof_gutters3.htm What I would like to see studied is contamination levels on more modern roofing materials, such as the factory baked on painted metal roofs (standard fair for metal barns and roofs today). And some studies in an area with neutral rain water (the Texas study had fairly acidic rain). I have heard that the factory painted metal roof material was tested as the cleanest of the current roof materials, but I have not seen the tests that bear that out. In general though, it seems that using collected water to water a garden or orchard is likely safe, as long as you are not in an area of high pollution, and you don't have an unusual roof (like lead coated copper). If you have zinc surfaces that the water travels over (roof, gutters, etc) then high zinc levels might be a concern over the long run. Or if your roof/gutters have solder joints (lead) then that may be a concern. The more acidic your rain water is, the more concern about picking up heavy metals. Anyway, that's my take. You can find quite a bit of stuff to read on this topic with a quick internet search, so do your own research. Disclaimer, I am not a doctor nor a chemist and do not play either of them on TV.

Stargazer Lily: Thanks for hosting the swap in your beautiful yard. It was a wonderful afternoon. Thanks for all the plants, JJ, Li and Stargazer. Tomorrow, Susan and I will be planting at the traffic bulges. If any of you are in the UBC area, do drive by the garden/traffic bulges at 8th Avenue & TRimble. We try to keep these beds in bloom for as long as possible. KarinL: I just saw your request for Pat Feary. I will save a tuber for you for the spring swap. Sorry I missed your message.

POSTING HERE AND WILL E-MAIL ALL THAT I SENT DIRECTIONS TO ABOUT THE DATE CHANGE FOR THE SWAP NEW DATE IS: SUNDAY JUNE, 4, 2006 TIME AND LOCATION ALL IS THE SAME. Now, I've finished potting up all the seedlings, hundreds of them from WS, here is the list. rose campion lychnis angel's blush assorted dward snapdragons assorted cosmos california poppy purple gleam and white annual poppies perennial poppies morning glory 4 0'clocks assorted bachelor buttons mixed toadflax lobelia crystal palace lobelia trailing saphire lupins, blue and cherry red gazania mixed colors baslam impatiens nasturtium jewel mix sweet alyssum tall alyssum nicotiana alata probably some I missed righting down Also have 2 large sedum, unknown variety that look really beautiful to start then they flop over and the center is bare. will dig out if anyone wants them. a very small hosta I have to dig out. plenty of lily of the valley I can dig out. spreading into my flower bed I believe they are bright purple siberian iris, again spreading into my flower bed. Not sure it's the right time to dig them out, but they have been here for 26 years, planted by the prior owners. Can dig them out if anyone wants some. especially the ones in the flower bed. forsythia branches, all you want that I can cut fresh. 3 potted up pussywillow bushes that may or may not root. A friend just left with me the following and she will be here at the swap. fresh dug up chives, oregano black eyed susan bleeding heart vinca minor And a neighbor will be coming with vegetable seedlings. REMEBER THE SWAP IS NOW SUNDAY, JUNE 4TH. Looking forward to seeing everyone there. Fran

I have Chris, Nichol, Mark, Jeanne, Wendy, Tammy, Nancy and Angela down for the following: Chris-Grolikecrazy Prickly Pear Cactus Nelly Moser Clematis - That was the last offer. Valerian Root Lilac Hen& Chicks Chives Violets Wild Blackberry Garlic - Oregon Blue, Purple Glazer, Chesnok Red and Silverskin Italian Brandywine Sudduth's Strain Nichol-Gardenmom prickly pear cactus Nelly Moser Clematis - Out- If I have more to offer I will put your name on the list. Rosemary Hens and Chicks Forsythia Brandywine, sudduth Garlic, one of each please Wild Blackberry -Mine are literally WILD. We try to keep them in their place but..... Mark-markcase1964 Valerian Root Rosemary Lemon Balm Wild Blackberry - 1 of each - Garlic - Oregon Blue, Purple Glazer, Chesnok Red and Silverskin Italian Barb-rosepedal forsythia garlic Jeanne-sandlapper rose Snowball Bush Quince garlic - all four Wendy-sassybutterfly 2008 Honeysuckle Nelly Moser Clematis Out- If I have more to offer I will put your name on the list. Valerian Root Lilac Snowball Bush Hen& Chicks Tammy-greenthumbgrow 1 Nelly Moser clematis Out- If I have more to offer I will put your name on the list. 1 Snowball Bush 1 Hen & chick 1 ea. of the garlics 1 Brandywine Sudduths 1 Valerian Root 1 Lilac Nancy-luvgadening2 Wild Blackberry Garlic - Oregon Blue, Purple Glazer, Chesnok Red and Silverskin Italian Angela-angelady Lemon Balm If I missed anything please let me know. I will send extra of anything that I have a lot of so you all get some good starts. Patti