1. "Whatever is worth growing at all is worth growing well. True. Growing well and growing perfectly are not synonymous. We aim for excellence, not perfection. I've removed many a rose that makes me look bad. 2. Study soil and exposure, and cultivate no more space than can be maintained in perfect order. Trans.: Don't bite off more than you can chew. See #1 on perfection. 3. Plant thickly; it is easier and more profitable to raise flowers than weeds. They didn't mulch. They applied manure in winter. The advice, brought up to date, is good. Open soil is an invitation to weeds. 4. Avoid stiffness and exact balancing; garden vases and garden flowers need not necessarily be used in pairs. True. 5. A flower is essentially feminine and demands attention as the price of its smiles. Nah. You can plant fussy plants or easy plants. Fussy plants are worth the trouble to some gardeners. Personally, I think it gets old. 6. Let there be harmony and beauty of colour. Magenta in any form is a discord that should never jar. Some like harmony, others like contrast. I like harmony, tho I don't have any issues with magenta in our bright sun. It's a problem for 5 minutes. 7. In studying colour objects, do not overlook white as a foil; white is the lens of the garden's eye. I suppose this works for some. White paint is a black hole for the gardener's time. I prefer natural wood. 8. Think twice and then still think before placing a tree, shrub, or plant in position. Think thrice before removing a specimen tree. Absolutely true. Know your plants. Trees add lots of value to homes unless they are 50 feet tall and within 20 feet of the house, in which case they are a big liability. Anyone priced tree removal of a 40 foot tree next to a house. 9. Grow an abundance of flowers for cutting; the bees and butterflies are not entitled to all the spoils. A matter of personal preference. I don't keep house plants, either. Keep on good terms with your neighbour; you may wish a large garden favour of him, some day. Always good advice. Love a flower in advance and plant something every year. Not a problem. Perennials by definition do no live very long. If they are long-lived, they are called shrubs. Show me a well-ordered garden and I will show you a genial home." A well-maintained garden is inviting. True enough.

It sure sounds like Ipomoea hederacea...as soon as you can post a photo you will get a more specific answer...if what is growing there is some type of morning glory...all MG's belong to some species whether they are a totally natural strain or a 'highly bred' cultivar of some species...despite widespread misconceptions there are extremely few true inter-specific hybrids of MG's out there anywhere... Here is the google image link for Ipomoea hederacea... if you can locate a photo on the web that looks like what you have it might help but without a photo reference we will likely be playing guessing games... regards, Ron Here is a link that might be useful: Ipomoea hederacea images googled

I'm back, glad the Kt is working again! It's so cold out today. Yesterday it was around 70. Where did the Spring go? Maryann, have fun swimming this afternoon! Susan, I hate having to do stuff after work. What kind of open house is it? I never did stop and get anything for the Easter baskets, but did stop at Qdoba and get a naked burrito for lunch and dinner. I stopped at Whole Foods too, since it was right by the doctor's office and pharmacy. Got some Wasa crackers that are allowed on this diet. They don't look too good, but I'm willing to try anything. I also picked up some honey for Alex, he's been asking for some, and a couple other things. I almost bought some organic chicken but I really can't afford to pay $12 for one chicken. I don't really understand why it costs more, no steriods or hormones, you'd think it would cost less. Everytime I go in there I look at the pinenuts too, but I can never bring myself to pay nearly $10 for less than a pint of them. I really miss them, we used to get them back in NV by the bagload. People would go out and pick them in the Fall, and they'd be in every store in town including little stop and shop gas stations. Heading to Wal-Mart with a heavier coat in a little bit to get the rest of the kids' Easter stuff, before they come home from school. Got to hide it from them.

Socks, Maria is an exchange student from Spain and has to have all this documentation to prove she actually took the classes and passed. I can't wait to retire. Sleeperblues, I decided to take the class later in the year. Now that I've thought about it, though, I'm not so sure I'm even going to take it. I may do an on-line course, though, just so I have some of the knowledge.