What a cool idea. It's nice to see you doing research before writing about this topic (something that pops into my head everytime I see pictures of white dendrobiums on vanilla-flavoured yogurts...arghh!) A good starting point would be this wikipedia article which has lots of good introductory information. A pod is usually a green thing looking something like , although variations in size, and length exist. After a period of 3-12 months, the pod popps open and the dust like seeds are released. Very few actually germinate I don't have time to type out the entire flasking process, buthere is a good link with some information. Feel free to peruse and come back with any questions/clarifications

Yes, I'm sure the answers could've been found by reading the book, but that's not the point. When you write an article, you can't just quote from a book or say "Jane Doe's book says...." I wish it was that easy. But editors, and readers, love quotes. Sometimes I feel like I'm "quote fishing". And I know not every writer's scrupulous about using quotes correctly and in context. I personally know someone in the insurance industry who was burned by an unscrupulous writer with an agenda. I hate people like that; they make every other writer's job even harder. But we can't do as Trudi suggested and provide the article for review before it's printed. That leads to more trouble than it's worth, it's unprofessional, and can be unethical. I'm not a well-known writer, but I know that prospective sources have Googled me to find out if I can be trusted to do quality work with their precious words and reputation. The questions themselves, since you're so curious, were nothing big. The article in question was about landscape trees, so I wanted to know things like "biggest mistakes you see", "trees you'd like to see used more often", etc. A landscaper, an arborist, and a nature activist gave me all I needed.

I was going to send you an email directly, but it doesn't look as if you included one in your profile. I hope this isn't breaking any rules either, because I love this site, but I am a freelance writer. I haven't written anything in awhile, but decided I would like to get back into it with some gardening writing. Please send me an email. Just click on "My Page" and you will have that option. Sometimes the emails do not go through, so check the box to send yourself a copy. Then you will be able to see my email address on the copy in your personal email account. Bev

I started out with a Brother PE-150 and bought PEDesign 3 on eBay. Since you've started with a Brother machine, too, stay with the Brother software. That being said, a couple of years ago I found Generations Digitizing software on eBay at an incredible price ($600 vs $1800 retail). I still use the PED 3, but only to write my Generations digitized designs to the card. Today I received the newest issue of Designs in Machine Embroidery. Inside is their latest software survey which compares not only digitizing software, but also editing software. Pick up a copy to study. I really like Generations; it is easy to learn by following the manual, there is a good user's group to learn more, and the features are incredible. And yes, you can digitize photos, too! I had my grandkids draw pictures that I digitized and put on t-shirts for them. HTH, Laurielu