That was interesting,I will be using the computer to look up things in my free time too. I have tons of books but they've been reread too much as it is. It sucks that these bugs and pathogens can wipe out a country full of a particular tree. If oak wilt gets big like that I'll have a nearly empty yard.Maybe the white oaks will be okay. One thing though, I can see fertilizing to help vigor but wouldn't that make the foliage more attractive to leaf eaters?You hear alot of conflicting things about fertilizing. I bought a big sack of powdered seaweed, it's supposed to have trace minerals and good for all plants. I read the " nutrients" and it has 9% sodium.Sorry for dragging on, I'm gonna see what the soil, mulch forum think of the seaweed, there is some interesting stuff on there, too. poaky1

Paula sweetie, your link really busted my allowance wide open. Only a few pennies left of it. That link has some serious miniature garden toys. Among other things I ordered the bistro table and chair set in white....now I must paint OUR REAL set white or offwhite. And I got the chicken coop with chickens...don't you know my DH mentioned building such a coop and getting about 3 little egglayers tonight? It was meant to be! Then the garden bench and chair and the arbor and the wagon like the one I have really, and the martin house and the bee skep (for Quilting Bee Hosta) The watering can and the garden tools and the galvanized tub ..... it is hard to stop once you get started. I can see these adding a lot of eye level appeal to otherwise plain plantings of multiple hosta or fern etc in bowls or tubs. This kicks it up a notch from simple pot feet! Is there a contest for Miniature Gardens? I am enchanted by the bistro table with the gazebo or arbor. Jo, you can make one as beautiful as that 200+ $$dollar one. Very exciting to think of a couple of the tubs set up. However, I know this is not my main passion. It is a great diversion adding variety to the garden experience.

I stopped in tonight on the way home from working at the Quilt show in Columbus. There was a great selection there. I picked up two Korean firs (bare root), and a Mint Julep rose (bare root) and some other interesting things. I was trying to be good as I've been composting some of my plants lately (too much plant too little space and salvia (Friesland, or May night...I can't tell which....long story) which has decided to grow itself everywhere dispite my efforts to keep it deadheaded.). I managed to keep myself under $20 which was great. There looked like there would still be healthy stuff this weekend, in fact, most of the plants look pretty healthy. If you're going, head directly to the "perennial greenhouses" as they aren't in the main building at the back...they're still trying to sell the clothing and stuff......

So, without further ado, I am pleased and surprised to say ... IT'S A TIE!!!! H. 'Winter Snow' submitted by Peren.all ________________________________ 'Winter Snow' is so appropriate as I live in a snowbelt! I don't have anything else like it amongst my hostas. But wait! I actually do have a relative of WS living in my garden - Sum & Substance! No wonder I was drawn to WS!!! It drew me in instantly when Peren.all posted it.... Ripples, beautiful leaf shape, lovely colour with a light margin and presence! ... all a big plus for this hosta, and the fact that it can take so much sun exposure!. I need such a hosta for the front garden. AND H. 'Goodness Gracious' submitted by Berndny _____________________ For two years now I've been fawning over this hosta whenever it was posted! Each picture, regardless of age of hosta, always stopped me and gave me pause. The wide margin and clean look overall got me. The sharpness of leaf colour is gorgeous. The rounder leaf shape and rather obtuse tip is also pleasing to me. It satisfies my yen for Satisfaction, Spartacus (although it's ripples really get to me) and a couple of other similar hostas. The fact that it is a sport of Satisfaction is a big plus! THANK YOU, one and all for your contributions once again. The hostas you chose as your Top Gun are all worthy of that honour! I've learned about some new hostas, received some great information and first-hand experience growing these and that is invaluable to me. I can't wait for spring! The next decision will be where will I go to purchase these? Hand-picking the hostas is the ultimate joy!!!! Here is another look at the winners. I have taken liberty and used your photos. Hope this thread was as enjoyable to you as it was to me. Thanks again, folks! Jo