Aloha all, my surgery went very well, so TY very much if you prayed for me. :) The surgical staff were only expecting one problem and they found 2. They did a great job, everything considered. I am still healing up and sore in spots, but despite this I already feel tons better than I did before I had the operation. :) I'm very grateful my health is turning around. About water chestnuts- I don't have a water garden (or water chestnuts) right now but I used to grow them when I lived in Calif. Some large cities such as San Francisco, CA and Houston, TX have a Chinatown. In Chinatown there are Asian veggie markets that sell fresh, unpeeled water chestnuts when they are in season. If you put an unpeeled fresh water chestnut in a water garden it can grow and multiply. Also, water chestnut is sold by a website that specializes in water plants. If you want the specific info please email me, so I can avoid spamming everyone with a merchant URL.

BigMama - Don't forget to look at the link Fran made and make some requests from the lists also. I will do my best to get you some of your requests. Becky - I will also be posting some more toward the end so keep checking back I am trying to get to the nursery but just haven't made it yet. Fran - I will be happy when Im back to being me again also. I have one more test at the hospital on Monday. I am praying everything is alright because 2 weeks ago there was a problem and if its not corrected at this ultrasound they are going to have to do another dnc. So not looking forward to that. I just realized I missed your offers completely. LOL. Marian - I noticed noone requested your coontail moss I would love a sm piece of that also. I am looking for a couple oxygenators. NEW REQUESTS marian - coontail moss fran - Litrope, Thalia, orange canna, wild daffs.

Dar, For clarification purpose: After nicking, did you soak in warm water and for how long? I typically soak in warm water which can be changed every couple of days or in a sealed plastic bag with a wet paper towel to provide a constantly moist environment. I try to keep the seeds soaking in a very warm environment (above normal house temperature). I do have access to a seed germination table with bottom heat and grow lights but that is not necessary. It simply speeds up the process and provides low constant heat. Improvising improves the germination time line (maybe place on top of your hot water heater, etc.). I usually allow the nicked seeds to sit in the water or sealed bag until the seeds actually begin to swell and produce the first sign of growth (3 days to a week). At the first sign of growth we replant (underground) the germinating seed into a sterile growing media. This helps prevent damping off due to bacterial infection. This normally takes only a few days for first leaf growth to be produced. Once first leaf growth appears, place in warm open air growing area with abundant light and good air circulation. Replant if necessary. This may sound much more difficult than it actually is but will produce a high percentage of germination success. Best, Kent

Buying rhizomes is Very risky...matter of fact it's risky buying full bloom plants as well cause viruses may still be present but unnoticed but I do lean more towards examining full plants I can be in a nursery for an hour or more just looking at new growths coming from plants.. under sides of leaves for parasitic infestations etc...I also run my finger down into the soil to check for moisture level...insects...root danage etc...I try to cross all barriers...they know me either when I walk in or by the time I leave.. lol sometimes I point out things as I see them to employees and we exchange knowledge both ways.