We are well on our way to a fun, successful Plant Swap on the 21st of October. So far, about 15 folks are attending, with the date still more than two months in the future. I have been as busy as a bee potting plants and starting seeds. My offerings, so far, will be heirloom tomato & pepper plants, a few herbs, a couple kinds of kenafs, some ruellia and a few Sago palm pups. I am starting some cuttings of "Blue Sky, thunbergias, some pink and some red mandevilla vines and some purple "Poor ManÂs Orchids," epidendrums. My husband, Bruce, is busy seeding more African tulip trees, eucalyptus citridoria and pineapple guavas. Plant freaks R Us! Anyone have water gardens? We may have a couple of extra lotus plants. Keep spreading the word and see you soon, Diana

I was planning to be there, but I got sidetracked with life and forgot! Did you go?

Well, to many a clown and a pony would be cute but it might go over rather like the Hindenburg. No offense, but aren't you asking the wrong people? Seems to me the ones to ask are the recipients. My first thought is that if he's not hanging around with high school friends, there could well be a reason, and inviting them without his consent would be quite risky. Likely it won't be a surprise anyway if they're expecting parties and if it's always happened, they probably will expect it whether they want it or not. Perhaps he'd like the money for a party to go toward the car rather than an expensive party. I too am a bit confused since there's not a lot of 2002-2003 cars on the market for $500. Maybe he'd like a nice dinner out with his GF and have dessert at home with the family & friends afterward? Or maybe wants something quiet? I'd ask them point blank. What would you like for your birthday? Would you like a party? Small or large? What type of theme, if any? Who would you like invited? I'm just thinking that he might feel like he's being treated like a 10 year old rather than an adult. If you're giving money, and if he has a sense of humor, you could take a box and individually wrap some rolls of coins and bills of different denominations, maybe some gas cards or prepaid credit cards, pack them all into one big box and watch him unwrap his money a few dollars at a time. Again, depends on the person. I'd really suggest getting him involved.

The whole 33,000 is native bush. We have hundreds of significant gum trees I am planning on lighting up. We are keeping 92% native bush, thought it would be nice to have a drive of colour. Also we are the highest fire zone and I've read the non natives create a good fire break as they hold more water and don't have the oils in them. The avenue of gums look a bit boring to me , only as the whole 3.3 acres looks like that. It wouldn't stand out. You wouldn't pick it out in a forest of gum trees :) An avenue of blossom or something different would be nice.