Mentha says, "I could live without the pain, but that's what the Lord gave me to deal with, it could be worse." I struggle daily with *much* pain and am always looking for ways to cope, so I'm going to put your comment on my bathroom mirror---I love it! It's straight to the point, there's no drama or "woe is me," and the final truth, "it could be worse." Being the practical girl I am, I think the simplicity and truth of your words are an inspiring way to get on with the day! Besides, if I hadn't had my injury to slow me down I NEVER would have discovered my *burning* passion for plants. It is what sustains me though everything---I can feel my blood pressure drop when I work on them. When God closes one door he does open another----sometimes it just takes awile to find it. (shiver now steps off her soap box) :)

I've had many 'fairy rings' and am very familiar with how to get them to once again grow in the center. I piled leaves into the center every time and was always rewarded in the Spring with eyes growing back into the middle. I thought it was dumb luck, but after reading these posts, and becoming totally confused about these opinions, I decided to run it all past one of the Morton Arboretum horticulturists here in Lisle, Illinois where they have an enormous hosta garden. I am a student in two of their certificate programs - Natural History and Botanical Illustration, so I am acquainted with many of the staff. This is what I got back today: "Finely shredded leaves filter down through the soil and easily decompose by spring, providing minerals and nutrients plants require. We have ground all different kinds and amounts (of leaves) into both turf and plants and the benefit of incorporating this back into the soil is the microbes and the type of nutrition provided. Maple leaves, high in calcium and potassium, break down easily as do Oak leaves. Oak leaves are especially beneficial to acid-loving plants, even though the composting process neutralizes the acidic nature. It is, however, crucial that the leaves be finely shredded. As regards your problem of the 'fairy ring' what is occurring over winter is the development of new eyes growing into the middle again, as well as growing out, as these nutrients have provided superior nutrition to the 'inside' of the 'fairy ring'. Therefore, the inside is not 'dead' - rather it is simply sending out eyes into the middle to reach the newly-provided nutrients." She went on to tell me that this middle 'space' cannot be referred to as 'dead' -- it is simply devoid of eyes because the plant has 'grown outward' trying to reach nutrients. She added that the height of the leaves piled in the center matters little, but the more the better - as long as they are removed in Spring. I hope that settles it! Westy

Bill, Did you think I was finished asking questions??? Of course not. Tomorrow I'm sealing the grout. I have a white cast iron tub I want to protect. Should I put the plywood over the tub while I seal? Would it be better to take off the plywood and try and cover the tub with towels. SCI said I had to spray it on and not roll it or use a rag. It will run down to the tub so how do I protect it? Will it damage the finish if it gets on the bathtub? I know this is a simple question but look what happened when I got involved with my grout application. Donna

Allison I was wondering about you just before I went to bed last night. And low and behold I dreamed of you. Of course it took a turn to the left as many of my dreams do. (lol) I dreamed I went to your house and this shady lady was there checking out your Old Paris vase. So, I put it in my purse so she wouldn't steal it. Then, you and your husband were looking for it and I took it out of my purse and your husband accused me of stealing it. Try and be a nice guy, geez. (lol) .....Jane