Your post is as expected pollyanna, optimistic. You're a kick!

Hi peggiewho, I was hoping to come across some knowledgeable home gardeners and theres all these threads on hyridization and high level propegation etc. Its a little intimidating. I thought it would be fun to become a master gardener when I retire and some of these people are like mad scientists. LOL Just kidding, just doing things that regular backyard gardeners dont attempt. Im glad I came in here to this propegation forum, it is very interesting.

One doesn't have to be any kind of expert to share experiences. This is a fun way to do so! And some of the experiences I've read about here are amazing, and all are inspiring. I think there's a little mad scientist in each of us, and am just glad the people here have chosen gardening as an outlet for that. The only regrets I can recall regarding plant propagation are the "mad" ideas I never tried, or failed to follow through on.

The general idea that one can multiply (most of) their plants by cutting off pieces of them or causing part of them to make contact with soil fascinates me endlessly. And provides a lot of "free" gifts for various occasions!

Yes we have lots of experience but in our climate and our soil. The Biosphere 2 is interested in the factors that go into plant blooming. They want to study the same plant planted across the nation. So my point is that gardeners are out there in very different environments, zones and soil types doing their 'Mad Scientist' work. A petunia cutting in Arizona may need a dome but in Georgia where its humid it might rot. Full sun in Oregon is not the same as full sun in California valley. Take the ideas and apply to your garden but your experience will be different. Be observant and persistent and you will have the most beautiful garden in the neighborhood. You will have failures and weeds. You will have the fun of being the expert.