Sue, thanks, that's a great link; and it leads to many more great links! Mayalena, thanks for the tip; that lecture was hard to find on the MassHort web site! Good Planting with Fergus Garrett Thursday, February 15, 7:00 PM-8:30 PM Mass Bay Community College, Wellesley, MA Fee: $20 members/$25 nonmembers - register on the Mass Hort web site or via email to registrar@newfs.org. Learn the principles of good planting and designing with plants from Fergus Garrett, head gardener of Great Dixter and long-time creative partner of famed British gardener and author Christopher Lloyd. Fergus will talk about shape, textures, color, scale, repetition, and maintenance of plant compositions. He will show how to put plants together and then edit the selection to come up with the final picture. DonÂt miss this rare opportunity to view Great Dixter, one of the "must-see" gardens of the world, from the viewpoint of someone who so intimately helped to create its beauty. Too bad the workshop the following day is sold out. Quick question on the Rhode Island Flower Show - has anyone attended the Garden/Landscape Designer Forums at the show? It sounds good, but I wonder how enthusiastic the designers can be. Here is a link that might be useful: RI SHow Garden/Landscape Designer Forums

Here's a "don't miss" event in Hamilton OH - just north of Cincinnati. Great plants for sale and this private property landscape is well worth the trip regardless Joan Day's Backyard Treasures Annual Plant Sale 6215 Cavalcade Drive Hamilton, OH 45011 Phone 513-868-3512 Friday 26 May 10-5 Saturday 27 May 10-8 Sunday 28 May 10-6 Lots of collector type plants, troughs, hypertufa planters, new sun and shade perennials, and visiting her small, but awesome landscape makes this a definite "Don't Miss" event. I took this info from a card she mails out to previous customers. Use a map program such as MapQuest, Google Maps, or Windows Live Local to get directions. Monday 29 May 10-6 PS- it's cash or checks only

SSE Tomato Tasting Report: I did attend the tomato tasting at SSE. They had a very good turnout, I would guess 500 or more people, throughout the day. The variety of different tomatoes and peppers to taste was very good. The taste of the tomatoes were very watery and lacked though. The tastes were off because ,this area of Iowa, including my own garden, were hit with substantial rains in the last two weeks, upwards of 14" and high winds. I did try some new types of tomatoes I am going to try next year, Dr. Wyche's Yellow and Moonglow. I identified my Brandywine as the Sudduth strain, same taste and look as their Brandywine. Note, Did not taste anything special, because of the rain. The gardens were pretty, but heavy damaged by all of the rain, and lots of soil erosion. I walked the gardens and most people were walking by the Welcome center, but I hardly saw a soul on any of the outer gardens. It was neat seeing all kinds of varieties, that I have never seen or even heard of. SSE seeds were 50% off, so I picked up lots of my seeds for next year. Note: Starting Oct 1st, it appears seeds will be 50% off as well, not sure if that includes online or not though.

So great to read everyone's experiences. Mine were much the same-- however, I went to Wilson College, a small women's college in south central PA so we didn't have the advantages of the schools in the big cities-- or those in Western MA/Boston where the environment of academic excellence is unmatched (IMO). Like Sue, I didn't set out to go to a women's college. If I had, I'd probably have selected one that was in a different region and a little more focused on science/math-- however, I have NO complaints. Because women's colleges are so focused on providing opportunities to women, I had many advantages such as being able to work with my professors to design my own major, run my own lab/studies and build the kind of curriculum and experience that prepared me for graduate studies-- and, in fact, helped me to receive a full scholarship in a highly competitive PhD program. When I started college, I was pretty confident and was quite comfortable (and quick) to speak my mind. What I lacked was the maturity and compassion to use my "voice" effectively. Through the many leadership opportunities and guidance of my peers and mentors, I learned how to use my voice to not just speak out -- but to speak out in a way to educate, influence and lead others. I learned to not just identify problems but to provide solutions-- because I was a part of the solutions. These skills have been invaluable not just in my careers but in my personal relationships. I've had the opportunity to get back in touch with some of the students and professors recently as we rally to support the college, students and alumnae in facing the possibility of going coed. It has been a great reminder of what a great group of women we were... and are. We're professionals, business owners, teachers, lawyers, doctors. We're community leaders, mothers, activists, scientists and artists. We're passionate and wise and we know how to get things done. When I was first contacted about the possibility of the college going coed, I had to ask myself if attending a women's college had benefited me. I've been in male-dominated fields my entire life-- through two different career paths. Had my women's college education prepared me for that work? I wasn't sure.. until I started reconnecting with my old classmates. We are all different and have gone down very different paths-- but there's just something different about this group. I've struggled to identify it and name it (which is why I haven't posted here for a few days). These women have such a strong sense of themselves and the worlds around them -- and hokey as it sounds, they are generously and passionately committed to sharing their experiences and giving back to other women. It's been humbling.. and inspiring. And that's the other thing I gained from going to a women's college-- a great appreciation and admiration for other women. I think it's made me a better friend, sister, daughter and manager. Thanks again sharing your thoughts and experiences! I've enjoyed them all.. and best wishes to all those with daughters and loved ones heading off to school!