"Your statement was "seeds and cones" Cones are not propagatable living plants, just receptacles for the seeds. The EU at least does not restrict their entry in the same way that live plants are restricted. "If you are a researcher or have a legitimate need for seeds you can apply for a collection permit" Ever tried getting one? The red tape, and restrictions, in some cases that I've seen, are ridiculous, and make it impossible for all but an extremely small number of official state institutions. Private individuals, however legitimate and valid their research might be, are not entitled to apply. (Note, this may not apply to Canadian National Parks, I don't know what specific regulations apply there). "Seeds can be legally purchased" Though most such are not accompanied by any documentation of source, etc., that a grower might want, or may not come from a particular population that a grower may wish to study. And never accompanied by a vouchered herbarium specimen to document the identity. "Over 4 million people visit Banff every year, imagine if they all removed seeds" Not a very valid argument. 99.999% of those 4 million have no interest in collecting seed. What would be sensible, is if they had say, 1000 collecting permits per year, freely available on request, without any red tape. That would enable management of collecting at a low level that would not harm the environment. Some places in the US at least, do have arrangements like this (e.g. BLM land). Resin

Yes, the winter half of the year will be overcast most all of the time. Temperatures will be cold for 40% of the year, but not extremely so. Most of the time this cold will be just above the freezing point, sometimes just a little bit below. The air is cool and damp. Summer is the driest time of the year, but the summers are short (compared to US standards). The weather though is amazing in summer, just the right temperature, very mild, not too hot, and everything is lush green and bursting with life. By Canadian standards, the climate in Vancouver is considered virtually "subtropical", but that is compared to the rest of Canada. Expect to wear a rain resistant jacket for much of the year. Due to the nature of the rain, constant light drizzle often blowing in with a light wind, umbrellas are not very practical. Puff jackets are the common clothing item. Due to the latitude, the winter time of the year will have very short day length, but the summer time will have very long days. This difference will be noticeable compared to US cities, even including New York and Chicago. During the winter, the nighttime temperatures are almost the same as the days, but during the drier summer half of the year, the nights can get very cool to almost kind of cold. The cost of housing in Vancouver is overpriced. It can be unaffordable for many people to live there. The city has many cultural amenities, but not especially so compared to the biggest US cities.

If you should be coming the weekend of May 7&8th, the Victoria Conservatory of Music has lined up 16 private gardens to visit for a nominal charge of $25. This event takes place every year and the gardens change every year. I have now attended three of these events, and most of these gardens are really superb, full of flair and innovation. I second Royal Rhodes garden (free), the Horticultural Centre of the Pacific gardens (small admission charge)and UVic's Finnerty Garden (free). Also, UVic has a wonderful facility to the north of the peninsula called Dunsmuir Lodge with breathtaking scenery from its dining room which features a fabulous buffet for lunch and a great menu for dinner. It also has accomodation and is just a bit north from the route you would take to Butterfly World and Butchard Gardens. It is a wonderfully quiet location, perched next door to John Dean Park with lots of hiking trails. Another restaurant no one has mentioned and one of my favourites for great cusine is Camille's in downtown Victoria. I believe the Carden Street Cafe was closed the last time I drove by. On some of our little weekend get-aways, we have stayed at some absolutely wonderful B&Bs, and really recommend this as a great way to get information about things to do and places to go. If you are going to Tofino, the Wickaninnish Inn (if it is in your budget) is a truly wonderful experience. Each room has a private balcony where you enjoy the roar of the breaking waves on the beach and romantic sunsets. The dining room features all organic and unparalled cuisine, a wonderful private dining experience and the most impecable service. Enjoy your visit to the island..we did and moved here 13 years ago!

that is one absolutely beautiful box of gifts. You know how I love wood, and that board is just perfect. Don't be afraid to use it, though, wood is so forgiving, just a quick rub with fine sandpaper and some oil and it's good as new, maybe with a little more character even. I also think that linen towel looks soft and luxurious, like it was meant to be hendled and the napkins are gorgeous too. Enjoy everything, and Ann, you did a flawless job of choosing items for Karen. Annie