Donna- Sorry to hear about your problem. I don't have a solution for your current predicament, but I have a suggestion for future castings. I usually line my bowl molds with plastic wrap, sprayed with Pam, then I fold the plastic over the casting, allowing me to hold moisture and also allowing me to remove the casting a day later and reuse the mold without having to chisel or chip away residue before I use the mold again. The only caveat to this method is that you will not have a perfectly smooth surface, as the plastic will have some wrinkles, no matter how you try to smooth it out. I also almost exclusively use plastic for molds, especially if lining the mold with plastic is not an option, partly because it is maleable, especially if you put it in warm water before demolding. Good luck getting your 'shroom caps released from their molds. I hope you can save the bowls. Jo

Lots of work but you are very blessed to have such a wonderful garden. It is quite sad to see the flowers bowed down to father Winter. However, seeing snow on roses has its own magical appeal. I think it just makes those of us who have winters more appreciative of the growing season. There is nothing like seeing the snow melt and your roses growing and blooming. It is magical and quite an honour to see nature's handiwork.

Well, it saves me answering 50 personal emails with this same message. It's nice to leave it at the top until the trade is over!!! I don't think people realize how many emails I get about the trade, on a daily basis. GGG

Pls. don't be intimidated - I usually get to the point and do not believe saying things just to make reader feel good. There is lots of incorrect info on net, and when new (and even not so new), it could be difficult to know what is correct and what not so much. There are many blogs out there, some are terrific, but many are not and give haphazard advice. I appreciate anyone taking time to 'make a blog' - I would not spend the time - but info is often gathered from who-knows-what sources. We all are learning, all the times :)! IMO, stem cuttings and 'leaves' require same care - neither has roots. If I may say so: you crammed too many leaves into that round container - while it is impossible to say how many will root, if many do - they get crowded too fast and you'll have to start repotting/potting them while too small. I usually leave them to grow bigger before handling: main reason is to get plants as strong as possible, not to damage fragile new roots, and also space! I wait often until mother leaf dries up and just about falls off. It's not really bad, just makes things bit easier on you. Many leaves will start growing even just on a tray or piece of paper. Some may be fussier, but look at these (xGraptoveria 'Fred Ives') - and I am not even trying to grow more of them, have enough. But I knocked the pot while moving it and these good looking leaves broke off - should have put them on compost heap! The main plant has long, naked stem - but I just noticed it is going to bloom (first of these flowering for me):