Thanks for the nice comments. I am especially fond of the short yellow flowers - the ones that make the nice puffs of seed? -Haven't gotten them cleared out yet. Well, it's Saturday, the sun is shining, and I'm off to play with my chainsaw. About the only trees that didn't get major damage are the spruce trees, only because we didn't have much wind. Connie

Phil, they are strong plants, and they will recover. I know how you feel. What an abnormal weather pattern you had to contend with. Not something you can prevent. The year it was below freezing for 2 weeks here, I saw my fairly hardy elephant ears melt into a pile of elephant dung. I thought for sure they were goners. Yet late in the spring, beneath that pile of glop which apparently protected the tubers, there emerged very strong new shoots. It always struck me as the Phoenix emerging from its own ashes. So think of that, the Phoenix rising and reborn. A good Easter story to remember. Blessings to you.

bdobs... yes, we've had that awful nasty weather, haven't we. At least you've got something to show for it. LOL Seriously, though, congratulations, they look wonderful! My boxes are finally built and the mix is mixed (my sweet hubs did the sweat equity today) but the plants aren't in the ground until probably tomorrow. Hey, can you answer a few questions: 1) what's the thick green netting. Is that for birds? And where did you find it. It seems much easier to work with than the flimsy thin bird/deer netting I have over my blueberries... and I have critters here. You probably do too, depending on where in the east bay you are. Deer, scrub jays, racoons, skunks, and probably those nasty roof rats. 2) in one of your photos, I saw an open bottle of tecate. What's that for? 3) When you transplanted, did you use any kind of root doctor type product? On the recommendation of my mom, I bought a bottle of Rootmaster B1 so the plants don't suffer too much shock (with all this heat). Just wondered if you did, too. Thanks, -k Kristimama

Dixie, I feel so bad for you. You really truly have my heartfelt sympathy. My mom is 91 and lives alone, near me. I worry about her endlessly. I never have enough time to give her all the attention she deserves. I was away for a few days and I worried that something would happen while I was gone. Thank heaven for cell phones so I could be reachable. My son lives nearby too, so he checks on her. I am dreading the day when the end comes. Honestly, I hope she is as lucky as your mom to just go to bed and not get up. I pray she does not have a long slow decline. She has always been so active and self-sufficient, it would be so hard on her. My mom has had the same phone number for 58 years! I can;t even imagine is being disconnected or later assigned to someone else. I try to prepare myself for the inevitable whenever it comes, but I wonder if I can do it. You had so much to deal with at once. How did you ever manage? I am so so sorry for your loss, and thank you for sharing your story.