Hi. Stan here. All right, let's put this puppy to rest. First, if you want to keep one of the "resurrection plants" alive, you need to figure out which resurrection plant you have. Here, I'm going to address ONLY the resurrection plant from the Chihuahua Desert, spanning several states in the southwestern USA and adjacent parts of Mexico. (If you have one of the other kinds of resurrection plants, you're on your own.) Botanically, these plants are part of a much larger group called the club mosses. They fall somewhere between the mosses and the true ferns. They are a very old group of plants dating from the Coal Ages. Their scientific name is Selaginella lepidophylla. If you want to get it right, the "S" and only the "S" in Selaginella is ALWAYS capitalized, all other letters are lower case. And both words are italicized. (No italics on your typewriter? Then you can underline them instead.) Almost all other Selaginella in the world are moist habitat plants, living in deep forests, swamps, in or near streams and creeks, or among other plants for protection from direct, scorching sunlight and desiccating dryness. You would grow them the way you grow most of the true mosses. S. lepidophylla is a distinct exception, apparently surviving if not thriving in a desert, and a pretty severe one at that. I am trying to include several photos I took of them growing in their native habitat in western Texas. Note that they most commonly grow on the northern sides of hills and protected in the shadows of rocks or other plants. If they receive any direct sun at all, it's only for a few hours in early morning and very late afternoon. They tend to grow where they're in dense shade throughout most of the day. Note also that the soil in which they grow is comprised mostly of disintegrated, calcareous rock (i.e., limestone soil) with a little organic detritus (mostly naturally composted leaves, grasses, mosses, and other dead plants) mixed in. The limestone base is strongly alkaline, and the organic stuff tends to act as a hydrophilic buffer, holding water for a few precious hours or days after a dew or rain. The climate in which they grow is fierce. In Summer the daytime temperatures often reach 100̊ F. They may receive a few drops of rain from time to time, BUT while the Chihuahua Desert does not receive a lot of moisture in the form of rain, it is often blessed with dense fogs and heavy dews. And these are the resurrection plants' saving grace. Winters are a little less hostile. Nighttime temperatures often drop slightly below freezing, and light, freezing rain and sleet are not uncommon. For S. lepidophylla, life is a lot easier. S. lepidophylla, much like other Selaginella, uses a collection of tine hairlike roots to hold itself in place in the desert, and to absorb what little liquid water might be available, but it probably gets most of its water from the aforementioned fogs, dews, and occasional rains as the water is absorbed directly through the surfaces of its leaves and stems. It almost never sits in liquid water for more than a few hours. No, they are not immortal, and cannot survive forever in a dried state. In fact, if your S. lepidophylla isn't obviously fresh and alive when you get it, it probably never will be, regardless of what you do for it. All reports of them recovering after 50 years rolled into a brown ball are either circus hawkers' sales pitches, or statements by people who can't recognize a dead plant when they see one, and were fooled by the unfurling corpse. (At this point perhaps you should review the Monty Python "Dead Parrot" Sketch on YouTube.) How long can they survive in such a dried, dormant state? I don't know. Apparently no one has ever performed any sort of controlled experiments to determine this, and there is so much hogwash flying around about the matter that it's impossible to even make an educated guess. So, how might you try keeping one alive? I confess I've never been successful, and I've only seen one botanical conservatory with living S. lepidophylla on display. And, I know of a veritable garden of them growing wild in the Chihuahua Desert of west Texas. Here are some suggestions based on general plant care, plant physiology, Botany, and what I've seen in the wild: 1) Almost all plants in nature experience an annual growing cycle based on the change of seasons. This helps all members of a given species flower at the same time to promote cross pollination. It also prevents them from flowering in deepest Winter and trying to go dormant when they should be actively growing. If you try to get one of these to grow as Winter approaches, you're almost certainly wasting your time. Early Spring would be a much better time to try this endeavor. 2) Don't waste your time on a dead plant. If it isn't obviously alive, move on to the next hobby. 3) Soak your newly acquired S. lepidophylla in room temperature tap water for 2 or 3 hours, no longer. This is intended to just "top off the tank" of its water reserves. Soaking it any longer might likely afford harmful molds or bacteria a foothold. 4) Plant it by laying it, right side up, on a layer of barely damp soil. The soil should be composed mostly of a mix or limestone sand or finely crushed oyster shell mixed perhaps half and half with compost or garden loam. Do not use commercial potting soils because they are composed of either peat or composted lumber byproducts. All these things are acid by nature, and these plants have evolved to survive in an alkaline environment, the exact opposite. Commercial cactus soils might work. Maybe, maybe not. 5) Do not use a tall or deep container. A "bulb pan" would be much better than a standard 6" terra cotta pot. The entire soil must be kept only slightly damp, and large masses of soil are sure to develop pockets of wetness in their centers. If the plant or its roots are allowed to set in water or are too damp, they'll rot and the plant will die. 6) For the first week, keep it loosely covered with plastic to maintain a high humidity. Remove the plastic after a week, or as soon as the plant appears to be alive and growing, or begins to develop mold. Mold is a bad thing. Generally, a molding plant is a dead plant. Maybe you need to try a newer, fresher resurrection plant. 7) Give the plant the brightest light available that isn't direct sunlight, except that it can receive a little direct, early morning sunlight for 30 minutes, no more. 8) Do not water the plant like you do your geraniums! Instead, mimic a dew once a week by misting it. The plant itself should end up quite wet, but the soil should be only a little damp. 9) S. lepidophylla should be allowed to dry out a little more in Winter, and moved to a brightly lit but much cooler place for several months beginning in early Winter (November in the Northern Hemisphere). Remember that they routinely survive light freezing weather during many Winters. They may be taken out of their Winter rest period in early Spring (early March perhaps in the Northern Hemisphere) by moving them to a warmer room and beginning their weekly misting. Go easy on the misting at first, but resume normal misting after two or three weeks or as you can see new leaves and branches forming. 10) *USE DISTILLED WATER.* Not spring water, not softened water, not demineralized water, not baby's sanitized water, not holy water, not expensive French bottled water. Reverse osmosis (RO) water might be acceptable, but is a lot more expensive than simple, old fashioned, distilled water. All such water contains some level of dissolved minerals, important ones being lime and/or salt. As you water your houseplants with the wrong water, the water evaporates, but these contaminants merely accumulate. If you don't believe me, look at the mineral crust that's developing around the edge of the soil in your half dead geranium's pot! And before long your gorgeous plant begins to look tired and droops as it tries to fight off the doses of lime and salt that you've been dumping on its roots for months. Soon, it can no longer grow effective roots and it begins a slow, inch a day, march towards the waste bin. I hope this helps you when you try your hand at growing these most fascinating plants. Best of luck.

I placed an order with a tropical plant site last night. They say they have Miracle Fruit plants, and they are $35. I'll be interested to see what actually arrives, an I'll keep everyone posted. They need to learn about Search Engine Optimization. They never came up when I was looking a few nights ago. I cam across them by accident, while looking for an Acai. I may as well get all of the fad fruits while I am interested. DH actually isn't that worried, I think he is just surprised that I found a guy to be buddies with this time. This is the same behavior I displayed when I got into quilting ten years ago. I went nuts, bought everything I could find, and dragged him to every quilt shop I could find when we were on vacation. The only big change is that I am dirtier now, and if I neglect my stuff it dies. I don't hear too many complaints from him when he sits on the sofa, wrapped in a quilt, eating home grown cucumber salad. Jen

I've belonged to the New Paltz Garden Club for several years now and it is a really wonderful group. We do a lot of civic gardening including the lovely seasonal planters at the Thruway Exit 18 tollbooths, the garden behind the bench at Main & Chestnut, a perennial garden on Huguenot Street & another garden outside Deyo Hall. We work in teams to do all the planting, watering and weeding of those gardens. It's a lot of organizing and work but it really helps brighten New Paltz. We have meetings, lectures, garden tours, swaps (I organize that!) and some more traditional garden club events like a "Table Carousel" which is a kind of table decoration tea party fundraising event. This fall we hosted a judged district standard flower show. Our club has several dozen members with a wide variety of gardening knowledge, skills and styles. We have organic gardeners, master gardeners, rank amateurs such as myself, and some incredibly creative artists in our group. One of our members, Barbara Campbell, has been president of the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State for the past two years. Anyone is welcome to attend our meetings, they are usually listed in the paper's Almanac section and we get great speakers and have interesting programs. We are 99% female (landscaper and all-around good guy Mark Masseo is our sole male member at this point in time - he really helps us when we need some heavy lifting or equipment!) but all are welcome to attend. And did I mention we have killer homebaked desserts at the end of every meeting. : ) If you are interested in learning more about New Paltz Garden Club drop me an email or leave a message at (845) 255-7800. Celeste Cleary

Was preparing fo tomorrow's Second Sunday Shoeshoe atthe Arboretum when I saw these posts tr: Plant Sale. I've attached info about the 09 Spring Sale and other May '09 events here (www.landisarboretum.org) May 2, Saturday, 7 - 8:30 PM WOODCOCK WALK Early spring brings the mating song and dance of the American woodcock. We will explore the fields of the Arboretum to hear his song and observe his aerial dance. If we are lucky wefll be able to sneak right up on him as he shows off to females. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person. May 9, Saturday, 10 V noon at the Arboretum, and 1-3 PM at 1185 Creek Road in Esperance WILDLEARN AND WINSLOW OUTDOOR FAMILY ADVENTURE DUO Join the Wildlife Learning Company at the Arboretum for a live animal presentation that includes local wildlife ¡V including birds, reptiles, and amphibians ¡V followed by an interactive guided nature walk. The program takes place at 10 AM - noon Location: Landis Arboretum, Lape Road, Esperance, NY. Then experience the excitement of artistic equestrian JD Winslow in a workshop on the care and training of his unique riding horses, followed by a special acrobatic riding presentation. Location: 1185 Creek Road, Esperance, NY. One fee includes admission to both presentations. Bring a picnic lunch. Reservations with payment or credit card by May 1. Members $8, non-members $10. Family of four: members $25, non-members $35. May 9, Saturday, 10 AM ¡V 1 PM EYE ON: NATURE THROUGH THE CAMERA¡¦S LENS A photography class for all levels of proficiency, The 548-acres Arboretum becomes a photographer¡¦s paradise in this dynamic three-part exploration of nature as seen though the camera¡¦s lens. Led by nature photographer Bill Combs, Jr. and members of the Schoharie County Photographers Club, the informal three sessions are designed to engender excitement and a deeper appreciation of technique, patience and experience when nature is the dynamic subject of pursuit. ÂX May: Look up: Avian life at Landis. ÂX June: Look down! Explore the hidden wonders of the forest floor at the Capital Region¡¦s Arboretum ÂX July: Look out and all around! Celebrate the abundance of Wildlife that makes the Arboretum a boundless source of inspiration and satisfaction for your mid-day photographic adventure. Each 3-hour segment includes: ÂX 90 minutes with camera in hand, exploring the natural splendors of the Arboretum. ÂX 90 minutes of shared time as you display your images in a group setting, learn from shared suggestions and recommendations for improving technique, engaging nature, and expanding creative options. Held at the Arboretum¡¦s Harkness Library, which doubles as a classroom, art studio, workshop area. Requirements: Enthusiasm; a digital camera, appropriate clothing (depending on season), and sensible shoes for the natural terrain of Landis. Bring a brown-bag lunch and a non-alcoholic beverage. Segments can be taken individually although participation in all three sessions will yield maximum satisfaction and learning. Cost: $25/session for members; $35/non-members. Your Guides: Cobleskill resident Bill Combs Jr¡¦s interest in photography began in high school. What began as a hobby developed into a privilege, taking him to places he never would have visited otherwise¡Xfrom countless hours exploring the wildlife of the exotic Everglades National Park in Florida to photographing the buffalo round-up in South Dakota and elk and bighorn sheep in the Rockies. Bill and his family often can be seen exploring the trails and rich natural resources of the Arboretum. For more than a decade, the Schoharie Photo Club has provided common ground for regional photographers -- both amateur and professional. Members discuss their art, share techniques, display their images, and discuss their body of work. Members¡¦ work is displayed at the Cobleskill Fair each August as well as in group showings at the TriCounty Arts Council Gallery in Cobleskill. The Club hosts presentations by guest speakers and knowledgeable members on various topics during its monthly meetings. www.scphotoclub.com ; info@scphotoclub.com May 9, Saturday, 11 AM ¡V 3 PM PAINT-OUT Mohawk Region Chapter of the New York Plein-Air Painters will sponsor a 'Paint-Out' on the grounds of the Landis Arboretum. Plein-air painting is practiced internationally and is growing in popularity. It refers to artwork, usually landscapes, created outdoors on site. Artists typically work in oils and create relatively small paintings that can be completed in a few hours using folding easels and lightweight, portable equipment. All materials are carried in and carried out by the artists with a careful respect of the environment. We are hoping for some fine spring weather (basically no heavy snow or driving rain, but everything else will be acceptable) and glorious flowering trees and shrubs. Artists can park at the Meeting House. We will reconvene at 3:30 for a casual group critique, refreshments, and a welcome chance to visit. Donations of paintings to the Arboretum's Acorn gift shop as well as paintings left for commission sale are encouraged, but not required. In the event of rain (as in downpour) the event will be postponed to the same time the following day, Sunday, May 10. To sign up, or for more information, participating artists can call Mary Beth Vought at 518-868-2807. May 12¡V16, Monday¡VFriday, 9 AM¡V5 PM ARBORETUM¡¦S SIGNATURE SPRING PLANT/BOOK SALE SET-UP Volunteers needed the week prior to the sale. Please call the Arboretum at 518-875-6935 for specifics. Lunch provided! Workers and bakers needed for plant sale weekend also. May 15, Friday, 5 ¡V 8 PM MEMBERS¡¦ PREVIEW PARTY By longstanding tradition, the Friday before the Plant Sale opens to the general public s designated as ¡§Pick of the Pots¡¨ (PoPs), a member-only preview and plant sale. The light evening fare of festive finger foods will be provided by Dottie Gallo¡¦s Sweet Tooth Caterers (Esperance). Details will be announced in the Newsletter and at www.landisarboretum.org. Always a memorable event when old friends meet once again ¡V and introduce new ones to an Arboretum tradition. May 16 and 17, Saturday and Sunday, 10 AM ¡V 4 PM SPRING PLANT AND BOOK SALE Out of the ordinary trees, shrubs, and perennials. Bake sale on both days. Free admission and free parking. Volunteers needed and welcomed. May 22/23, Friday/Saturday, 9:30 PM PUBLIC STAR PARTY Alan French and Albany Area Astronomers. Free admission and parking ¡V but donations to aid the Arboretum are always welcomed. See March 27/28 for details. May 23, Saturday, 6 - 9 AM EARLY MORNING BIRD WALK A walk for the beginning to serious birder. We will explore the Arboretum grounds to find resident and migrating birds. George Steele, Science Educator. Donation, $5 per person. May 30, Saturday, 9:30 AM ¡V 2:30 PM PROJECT WILD/AQUATIC WILD Project WILD (Wildlife in Learning Design) and Aquatic WILD are among the most widely used conservation and environmental education programs today. This fast-paced workshop is designed for formal and informal educators, and will teach you how to integrate wildlife-focused activities of Project WILD and WILD Aquatic into your lessons, be they in the classroom, camp, after-school program, or nature center. Participants will receive two curriculum guides, which contain more than 200 activities for ages K-12. The workshop will include a range of activities from the guides and will take place indoors and out on the Arboretum's grounds. $20/participant. To register, call the Wildlife Learning Company, 607-293-6043.