While I think that the "FAQ" as outlined by swanoir was presented tongue in cheek ('the humus'), many of the subsequent comments and/or links to threads that could/should be included in a FAQ were presented in a more serious tone. And maybe they do make sense as a foundation to a real LD forum FAQ. But I've also sensed something else in these comments that may contribute to the apparent lack of communication between new posters seeking advice and those that regularly frequent this forum and offer it. And that is that the long checklist provided by Miss R must be (or should be) answered in detail before posting. Well, of course not! But it is definitely something worth reviewing and giving some thought to. This checklist, or something very similar, is what most designers utilize when first meeting with a prospective client. It gives them a feeling for what the client wants to do with the property, how they intend to use it, what they hope to get out of it and how much effort (time/$$) are they are intending to put into it. Hopefully, reviewing an outline or checklist such as this could help to refine and focus some of those blank slate questions and even educate those new posters totally unfamiliar with the process the degree of complexity, the number of variables and exactly what is involved in the formulation of a landscape design. Even DIY landscape texts intended for the homeowner with no previous design or landscaping experience offer similar checklists to get one started thinking about the process. Obviously, this is overkill for those questions that are more issue-specific, but I think very appropriate for those that are much broader and far less focused.

P. koidzumii for instance produces leaves with entire margins. ...from Crataegus it is separated by bearing 2 fertile ovules (rather than 1) in each cell, as also by the leafy thorns, unlobed lvs. which are persistent --L.H. Bailey, Manual of Cultivated Plants, Macmillan, New York, 1949

Thanks both for the responses. I think I will look at both books at the library to get a better feel for each one. It would seem though, from the comments here, that I'll end up eventually acquiring both, it's only a question of which first. I've read some passages from Dirr, similar to the "edible but I prefer snickers" comment and have concluded that he is the "Roger Tory Peterson" of the plant world. Don't know if either of you are birders at all, but what I'm referring to is the ability to characterize the "nature" of bird or plant, rather than just give an academic sort of description. I found this tremendously helpful in identifying birds early on, and its entertaining as well! It conveys the specific charm of the plant or bird, which is much of what we want to know usually. Is the tree "majestic" or is it "delicate", etc? In his birding guides, Peterson describes a chimney swift as "like a cigar with wings". I've always remembered it and have never since failed to identify a chimney swift! Thanks again for the responses! Amy

I'm happy with the quality of blackberry, raspberry, boysenberry in my manual defrost freezer for 2 yrs +. If in a self defrosting freezer for 6 or more months they should still be fine. If they appear a little freezer burned from self defrost cycles its a matter of taste, not safety, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will often brighten up the flavor for pies, desserts.