Welcome, I was so exited when I found this site also so know the feeling. There are alot of helpful people on this site. I will look around and see if I can find any baby redbuds in my yard to dig up for you(do not have much luck w\the big ones] if you come to the plant exchange I will give it to you. Even if you do not have any plants to trade yet you can still come to socialize. I have learned so much from the gardenweb folks.
Jill

gilisi,
The propagation method you are describing, is air layering.

Here is a link that might be useful: Step by step directions for air layering

I have LOTS of plans - but my goal is to get everything i have already acquired, in the groudn - and kill my grass! :)

Welcome to GW!

I collected alot of rock too, and plan to make some beds. But I am having the worst time finding the time to do so! Try lugging large rocks around with two toddlers underfoot. I'm afraid my vegetables will all be in pots again this year.
BTW, I have been having great luck rooting the nikko blue hydrangea. I can bring you some cuttings at the spring swap or some rooted cuttings at the fall swap.
Michelle

Michelle - i too would love a couple of rooted cuttings of nikko this fall!