You are right about that, Lisa. I have lived here for 20 years since I was 22, and my gardens still aren't done. My backyard is still very plain, but with the pond, that's going to change. I had always wanted a pond, and when I stumbled into this forum, I REAALLY wanted one. I kicked it around for a year, and just decided "Go for it." Everyone on this forum has been super, super, super with all their help.

Jayinflorida: How do you prevent your goldfish from eating the snails? I was thinking about trying to find some snails for the pond that came with the house we just bought, but read pretty much everywhere that goldfish would eat them. I'm also having trouble finding snails that won't be invasive and will last the winters (I'm in New England). Any suggestions? The reason is because of the pond sludge problem that I'm hoping snails would help with. We do have a (mechanical) filter, and some water flow that we hope to turn back into a waterfall soon. We currently have 7 goldfish in about a 500 gal pond, and from reading this forum, some of the plants are apparently water lilies. Not sure what the others are, yet. :) Thanks! Suzanne, new to this forum, but not as new to GW

Kathy: I'm always a "dumbdumb" with names :) but Josh and other friends here have helped: that plant is a Dyckia. Josh: I'm trying to keep my plants growing well but being a "nomad" I must consign them to Mother Nature most of the time and be contented with what come up :) Really wish I could stay permanently in my mountain home but DH is still working in the big city! I will post photos to share when I have something nice. So long, dear friends. Xuan

Thanks everyone, I am so happy to see some iris blooming, spring is here! Linda, it is easy to get addicted to iris, especially since they bloom before the daylilies really start. I can't really feel sad at iris season being over because the daylilies are under way. I just wish I had something to fill in the fall. I plan on having more mums this year, all I can think of to add any real color. Guess it's a good thing, I don't really need another addiction either :)