Cynna - don't be disheartened or discouraged and think that you can't grow attractive and productive plants in commercial potting soils - you can, and lots of people do. You can use the thread about container soils and water movement to better arm yourself so you can take steps to avoid excessive water in the soil and deal with it when it does occur. While much of the chatter about bark-based soils is between people who are actively trying to get the most out of their growing experience by improving the foundation their plantings are built on (their soils), the information and an understanding of how soils work will take you a long way toward increased success. I'm not saying this in a boastful way because I wrote it - I'm saying it because after hearing it 100s of times from others, I'm more comfortable saying it in a matter-of-fact manner - because it's not just my opinion, but the opinion of hundreds after practical application. If you bring your concerns/problems here, we'll help you work them out. It's possible you might have to deal with some suggestions to improve your soil or add pine bark, but if you start by setting the parameter, "This is what I'm using! Help me get the most from it", you'll get guidance with that thought in mind. Al

Herbaceous=Dies back to the ground, previous season's growth has no green. Plant goes dormant and comes back from the roots. Evergreen= Stems retain all/most of their leaves. Semi-Evergreen =Stems retain some leaves-usually at the tip. New growth usually starts at the tip. Often these plants will benefit from being pruned to encourage new growth to sprout from the base of the plant and along bare branches. Thyme-evergreen/semi-evergreen Oregano-can be semi-evergreen. Depending on variety, climate, and species may or may not be cold hardy. Most act semi-herbaceous and look dead but with some leaves at the end of the stems but come back from the crown or roots. Tarragon-herbaceous-It begins to go dormant as the days get shorter. If you look around the base of the plant and see small shoots with leaves just peaking out of the ground then it is alive and should begin rapid growth once the days get longer and a little warmer. Most Tarragon dies before it goes into winter or is too weak to survive winter because of disease caused by excessive humidity in the summer or too much water. This is a plant that can survive in regions that receive only 1 foot of rain per year! It is otherwise very cold hardy. Lavender-evergreen/semi-evergreen Peppermint-herbaceous. Also somewhat day length sensitive. Marjoram is a tender perennial. That means it will die when temps drop much below freezing for long periods. It can take a frost and even short periods of light freezes. It is otherwise an evergreen like its Brother Oregano

So I went by Lowes today and saw a couple of Hibiscus I could't live without. They are 2 small plants, but they were $4 each. They are a bright fuscia color. I didn't know Hibiscus was such a pretty flower....so much to learn! So I brought them home. I should of bought some pots too, but afraid hubby will notice a major charge on the debit card. LOL I figure if I keep frequent low charges, they aren't as alarming...LMAO! Yes, I am planning on attending the plant swap. I do need to print up the directions and all. As far as Salvia goes, not sure what kind I have, I'll have to pull up the tag and read it when I get home. I didn't put the seeds far in the dirt. I just sprinkled the seeds on top of the soil and put about 1/8 of an inch of soil spread on top. So they are very lightly in there. Hopefully they'll still be okay. Ooo, yes, I looked up the pics of the Salvia, and I like. And I'll have to look up what the Texas Star Hibiscus looks like, but I know I'll probably like those too if I like the ones I bought already. Thanks so much for your help! I can't tell you how much it's appreciated!

Plantaholics, I'm sorry this didn't turn out the way you had planned. Maybe drippy will be back to do this swap the same way as in the past next time. If you change your mind, we will be happy to have you join in. I have a questionnaire and instruction sheet ready for the participants. I am going to start to e-mail them this evening but not all will get mailed out today. I will continue with them through the weekend, but if you don't have them by Monday (or can't read what is sent - I am sending them as a Word document), get in touch with me. Okay? Once you get everything, follow the instructions and you can start to send seeds whenever you are ready. Hope we all have lots of fun. The nicest people seem to participate in this swap!!! Jeanne