your welcome earthly, Jan said that if her computor wasn't fixed soon then she would go to the library to post .
I'm doing fine thank you , just very bored , haven to stay in the house . I did go out on my back deck this am &
listened to my frogs & watched my fish jumping in the pond:))
not for long but it was long enough to enjoy it ;)))
Happy gardening
sue

Ok Girls I just wanted you to know I am back!!!! That was my first experience with a computer crash and don't care to go through it again!!! Boy what a time for it to crash!! I told the guy at the repair shop it was my birthday month and needed it back asap!! He did a good job!! All over an $8.00 replacement part!! So I am a little behind in my posting which I plant to catch up no later than tomorrow!! Thanks for all the Birthday wishes and understanding!!

FYI Jan,

I mailed today, you should have it by saturday
confirmation 0305 0830 0003 7745 0021

hope everything arrives in proper condition
please, please, please let me know if it did not

enjoy your month, i'll enjoy hearing all about it :)

Greetings Gals
I must say it is so nice to have my computer back! I really missed my gardenweb friends!!
My first box arrived from a fellow Michiganer Gardener!! The box was from our lovely host Sue.
What a lovely box!! Since I had no computer Sue gave me a call to make sure the box arrived and great minds think a like as I had just mailed her a thank you card!! Thanks again for the call Sue and for posting so others knew what was going on.
What a wonderful box!! Thank your sister for me as she did a wonderful packing job! I hope you are feeling better and able to get out and about in your garden.
Ok here is what was in the box of goodies!!
Sue sent me some oils and soap recipes to get me started into making soaps!! I thought this would be a great winter project! She sent Eucalyptus, Jungle coconut and Soft vanilla!! Can't wait to put them to use!
Enclosed was some heart and flower pasta! How neat..I haven't seen that before! Also some yummy candy treats!! I received a beautiful planter that has hooks on it! You must have read my mind as I was thinking about getting one for my deck! Thanks so much!! I will plant it up this weekend and put it on the back deck where I spend a lot of time and will get much enjoyment from it. A big thanks for the books and Birds & Bloom magazine!! One can never have to many gardening books and B&B is one of my favorites! Thanks too for the journal which you made special by doing the first page!! I love to keep journals and it will be put to good use! Now comes the beautiful plant collection!! First my favorite of the bunch!! Black bambo! Oh I love it!! I put it in my tropical garden which is next to my deck and cottage garden!! The garden is planted around a slab of cement which is ready for my hottub!! Now all I need is a hottub! Been working on that one for a while!! The bambo will give some nice coverage! Also pink bee balm which the hummers love! Purple spiderwort which is a fun plant and love the purple flowers. This was placed in the front welcome garden. Yarrow in yell. and pink!! I placed this in my fresh cut flower garden! It is a great plant to use as filler! Also carnations! Ohhh I can't wait to have them bloom!! Also the one plant you didn't have named is rose champion which also comes in white! I like the silver leaves as it really can brighten up a spot!! Ohh and the castor bean!! Red...great for the tropical garden! These are great for moles! Last year I didn't have any so I got moles this spring!! This year I tried some purple and now I will add the red!! I adore those little birthday bags you used to wrap things in!! Just to cute! Also thanks for the pretty card and I love the fact that you enclosed a letter!! Really gives it that personal touch!
Sue I hope I haven't left anything out!! As it was the first package I got excited and tore it open!! LOL
A big thank you for the wonderful box of goodies and for all the thought you put into the box!! You did a wonderful job and also tell your sister thanks as she did a great packing job!! Thanks for adding some sunshine and friendship to my special month!! Take care and keep us posted on your health!! Remember healing takes place in a garden!

Next in we have a special box from Liz! A big thanks Liz!! Your card and box sure had a personal touch which I appreciate and enjoyed so much!! Thanks for the special birthday card! Also thanks for the iris and an even bigger thanks for sharing the story of the fact they were a birthday gift to you by your son!! I love to have a story behind a plant!! By the picture you enclosed they are some real knock-outs!! I will place them in my cottage style garden!! Thanks too for the the flower memo pad and matching pen!! I take a lot of notes and can always use note pads !! Also thanks for thinking of the 4th of July! I adore the cute welcome sign in red white and blue and the flag!! I will hang them on my fence by the back door!! Just adds that warm touch as a friendly welcome! I appreciate the thought and time you put into my birthday box!! Thanks again! As others have said wow what a special way to celebrate a birthday!! This group is a special group of garden friends which I enjoy very much! Take care.

Ok gals time to take a walk in my gardens and think about where to put some more plants!! What a fun and relaxing project for me!
I just wanted to say I have received 2 more boxes and will post updates on them soon.
Thanks goes out to Mary Ellen and Beth B

A big warm Thank You goes out to Mary Ellen!! I am starting to feel real spoiled!! Thanks to all of my gardening friends!What a wonderful box of surprises!! If I didn't know better I would have thought Mary Ellen had visited my house as her choices of goodies was just purfect!! You haven't been here right? LOL If you were and didn't knock and come in I will be upset with you!! At least you could of helped yourself to some plants!! LOL I will share with all of you what she included in my package. The most beautiful wall planter!! I just love it!! That is something I would have picked out myself and have the right spot for it! I will put it on the fence behind the tropical garden!! This sat. I am going to the farmers market and will pick out just the right plants for it. Best of all it is an easy one to hang!! That really agrees with me!! Thanks so much for the lovely plant collection. The Jack in the pulpit is one of my mom's favorites!! Very excited to have it!! Also Taro elephant ear!! Yes Yes oohh I wanted one so bad!! Can't wait to watch it grow!! Hens and chicks...got a great spot for them!! I have never seen them so large!! Thanks also for the pretty floral card and the note in it!! I just love the personal touches everyone has done!!! That in itself means so much to me!! Ok back to garden to get some more plants planted!! Thanks so much Mary Ellen!

Jan, Okay, you guessed. I did sneak in, but hey, you left the doors wide open--what do you expect? ;P Happy to hear your box arrived safe and sound and that you liked what was sent. I'm especially glad you liked the wall planter. I'd love to know what you put into it. Isn't this just THE most fun exchange you have ever been in? Thanks again to Sue for thinking of this and organizing it. Continue to enjoy your birthday boxes, and HAPPY BIRTHDAY when your day arrives! Mellen/Mary Ellen

sounds as if i better get back on my feet agin and plow
up another garden :))) for if jan runs out of room she will have to send me some of her older ones to make room for the new :)))

Say anyone have any small trees :))) its been so hot here that I need to start a shade garden with a few fast growing trees :)))) red maple be nice :))

red butterfly bush
white butterfly bush
hybiscus bush
dark leaf hostas
bugbane
anything that will spread & get tall :)))
love daisy I have white

being laid up I did a no no & put in a order for my fall
plants I put in a order for 28 different daylilies.
found a good deal for them but still should not have done it
but guess bordom can do funny things to the mind .
can blame the pills :))

well happy gardening time to lay back agin .
happy gardening all
sue

i am looking for a monly club to join to trade daylilys and other plants like a secret pal group if you could help me i would like very much thank you patty

Patty I have your info & will let you know if there
are any openings later or if we do another robin.
thank you for wanting to join our elite club hehehe
we really do have some great gals here :)))

happy gardening all

sue

sue,

do you know if jan is still experiencing computer problems?

Hi Earthly
My computer is all better now!! I just found your package! My mailperson is a trip!! She had put all my mail in my large mail box which your box could of fit in also but oh no she puts in on the garbage can in the drive way!! I will open and save the plants first and post later. Thanks

Hi Beth
Oh I just adore the card you sent!! That is a keeper and one to be framed!! So the rest of you know the card has a photo of a wolf on the cover!! So cool..Thanks Beth!
Thanks so much for the white flowering plants you sent! They are all planted and happy in their new home. I put the White wings astilbe in my nephew's angel garden!! It looks great as there is a lot of shade in it. I also received a white coneflower and an iris. Do you know what color the iris is? Gosh maybe it is white! LOL Just curious it is ok if you don't know as I like surprises too!! I put the white coneflower in with my pink as I like the contrast. The crazy daisy was a welcomed site as I had purchased one at the end of the season last year and lets just say it didn't make it through the winter!! That is putting it lightly! What a fun idea with including the crepe paper!! So bright and colorful!! I appreciate the white flowers as I had mention I was looking for them to add to my angel garden! You did such a wonderful job at selecting plants for me and I appreciate it. The little race bear in the race car bag is just way to cute!! LOL And oh my gosh Beth also sent me a terra cotta thermomter!! Did you come pay me a visit too?? I will hang it on my fence with some of my other goodies!! Thanks for the time and effort you put into my birtday package!! I know a lot of thought must have been given by the choices you made as everything is so me!! Thanks everyone for all of the thoughtfulness on your parts!! I can't wait until everyone has had a turn!!

Hi Jan, I forgot that I stuck the iris in there. LOL I was tapeing the box shut and there was an empty space so I just grabbed what was close. Best bet on color is purple with lavander.
I picked the white wings astilbe for your memory garden hopeing you did not already have that one but decided that even if you did.... i wanted to send it. It just seemed right.
Hope your cone flower and crazy daisy do well. My cone flower has a bud but so far, nothing happening with crazy daisy. Maybe that won't bloom the first year.
I liked the wolf picture too and saved it for your BD. It was fun shopping for your BD and I sent the thermometer because I could not find any terra cotta plant tags at my favorite nursery. Then I had a time trying to figure how to pack it. Anyway It was fun and I'm glad you enjoyed it too. Beth

wow white irises :)) memory gardens :))) do they really
really help the mind ??? send it my way , I can really
use all the memory you all can send :))) .
I'll be waiting patiently :)))

happy gardening my friends
sue

Next box in came from Doris! Thanks so much Doris!!
I enjoyed your card...by any chance is that the Paul from the Garden circle exchange? What a creative and thoughtful group we have here!! Doris sent a wonderful goodie box...Ok here goes she sent a Hosta La Green with a walking onion attached..she said sorry the onion came up with the hosta and I say thanks!! I have heard all about them but don't have one so now I do! I can't wait until I get all the wonderful seeds planted that you shared with me!! A large assortment of all hosta and sunflower seeds!! They will be planted by the days end!! I have never heard of some of the sunflowers and can't wait to see them bloom!! I am not sure of the other plant that was enclosed. I know I should know and I am drawing a blank! This comes with old age! Help please! LOL Also enclosed in the box was a cd titled Garden Composer-Create spectacular garden arraingements!! I know that I will enjoy spending some time and going through it!! I really enjoy doing floral arraingements and always looking for new ideas and tips!! Thanks Doris for your thoughtfulness and sharing with me.Wow what fun I am having being the birthday girl!!

I must have forgotten to mark the plant and now I don't remember who it is, but very possibly hardy geranium Cantabrigance Karmina. Does it look like a h.g.? Are there spikey seed pods on the end? Glad you liked the box, and yes, it is a card by Paul, I believe.

And for the next box here comes Eathly Delights!
Thanks so much and I must say I am sorry it took me a couple of days to get this posted. I have been busy taking care of all my new plants. With the heat we have been having they needed the attention first. Now that they are all planted and seem to be happy I will continue on!
First off MaryAnne I must say I really enjoyed your letter so sweet of you to share with me. You are right I am very close to my dad!! Its a good close we both have respect for each other.
OHHH thanks for the several plants of hosta!!! I am not sure off the names off the top of my head!! Yes there are hundreds and hundreds and more hundreds of different kinds of hosta!! I have the Hosta Handbook by Mark R. Zilis and I would recommend it to anyone interested in hostas!! It has wonderful pictures! I will share the ID with you when I figure it out!! Also enclosed is a mint plant that is Emerald & Gold Mint!! Ohh thanks so much as this is one I don't have and can always find room for another mint!! Ohhh that smell! LOL Yep indeed it is fruity in fragrance!! Also included in the plant department of the box was an elephant ear and some glad bulbs!! Oh Earthly don't be so silly girlfriend I am happy even if it is green because I have none so this will be my first!! Thanks too for the glads!! I have over 200 planted and can't wait to see them in bloom. I will add yours to the group!! This is my first year of doing a mass planting of glads.
AHH so darn cute Earthly enclosed 2 wolf knick-nacs. Thanks so much! You shopped for me like you've known me for years!! Also Maryanne enclosed some fun things ..bubble envelopes, pocket tissues. The gifts came in the cutest bags! It was so funny as I brought the box in my dog Clyde was sniffing it with great interest.....................
and when I opened it I understood why!! To cool!! She sent a cute birthday plate filled with cookies!! My favorites!! Love chocolate!! Clyde will get his share too!! OH This is the coolest bracelet... let me tell you folks it not only keeps the bugs away but glows in the dark too!!! I think everyone should have one that way I will see the ones who visit my gardens at nightime. Next time I will catch you Mellen! LOL By the way I am beginning to think you all met here and had a party without me!! I say that because each box has been so thought out and I love everything!! Thanks MaryAnne for taking the time to make my birthday an extra special one!

And for the next box here comes Earthly Delights!
Thanks so much and I must say I am sorry it took me a couple of days to get this posted. I have been busy taking care of all my new plants. With the heat we have been having they needed the attention first. Now that they are all planted and seem to be happy I will continue on!
First off MaryAnne I must say I really enjoyed your letter so sweet of you to share with me. You are right I am very close to my dad!! Its a good close we both have respect for each other.
OHHH thanks for the several plants of hosta!!! I am not sure off the names off the top of my head!! Yes there are hundreds and hundreds and more hundreds of different kinds of hosta!! I have the Hosta Handbook by Mark R. Zilis and I would recommend it to anyone interested in hostas!! It has wonderful pictures! I will share the ID with you when I figure it out!! Also enclosed is a mint plant that is Emerald & Gold Mint!! Ohh thanks so much as this is one I don't have and can always find room for another mint!! Ohhh that smell! LOL Yep indeed it is fruity in fragrance!! Also included in the plant department of the box was an elephant ear and some glad bulbs!! Oh Earthly don't be so silly girlfriend I am happy even if it is green because I have none so this will be my first!! Thanks too for the glads!! I have over 200 planted and can't wait to see them in bloom. I will add yours to the group!! This is my first year of doing a mass planting of glads.
AHH so darn cute Earthly enclosed 2 wolf knick-nacs. Thanks so much! You shopped for me like you've known me for years!! Also Maryanne enclosed some fun things ..bubble envelopes, pocket tissues. The gifts came in the cutest bags! It was so funny as I brought the box in my dog Clyde was sniffing it with great interest.....................
and when I opened it I understood why!! To cool!! She sent a cute birthday plate filled with cookies!! My favorites!! Love chocolate!! Clyde will get his share too!! OH This is the coolest bracelet... let me tell you folks it not only keeps the bugs away but glows in the dark too!!! I think everyone should have one that way I will see the ones who visit my gardens at nightime. Next time I will catch you Mellen! LOL By the way I am beginning to think you all met here and had a party without me!! I say that because each box has been so thought out and I love everything!! Thanks MaryAnne for taking the time to make my birthday an extra special one!

Yes jan before all else we need to care for our plants
before anything .
we all understand that :))

creekmom I hope you get this note I emailed you but not heard back yet , I need your plant info so I can share it with the others when it is your turn .
just wanted to let you all know that I will be
leaving Nov open so that we can just draw a name for a
xmas box . I hope that this sounds ok to everyone .

jan I wish you a very special birthday :))
happy gardening to all
sue

Hi all,
Jan I want you to know your box is away and should be there tomorrow or Wednesday. Glad you got your computer back in action and that you're having a great birthday month!

Thanks for the update Pooch!! I'll keep an eye out as with my mailperson you just never know where she is going to sit the box!!! LOL The postmaster says she makes way to many errors and is on her way out but that is happening quick enough!! Everyday I get lots of mail that belongs to others that aren't even on my street!! I hope you are having a good month and getting some enjoyment from your gardens!!

Hi Just a quick note to let Pooch and Joyce know that I received their boxes today!! WOW I need some time to go through them and I will post later. Thanks gals!

Hi gals :)))
well jan have to make room in your spotlight to let
everyone know I recieved a very nice birthday box of plants yesterday from beth_b_kodiak , I think she is going to be gone for a month or so & sent early witch is fine
thank you beth :))
here is what was in the box , dianthus tel star picottee
japanese iris , acorus sweet rush yellow , I've never seen the other one before and there was no name on it so
I will have to do a search on that one.
but my favoret of all is the japanese ornamental maple tree :))
my day was made when I opened it . the weather has cooled down quite abit here & my brother has been working on my new flowerbed for me & as soon as it is finished I will share a picture with you all.

now I just have to keep these potted up till it is ready to plant , thank you agin beth I love sharing gardens :))

happy gardening to all & now back to jan .

sue

Hi Sue
Glad to hear about your special surprise box!! I am sure you will get much enjoyment from it!

Hi Joyce
By reading your note I hope you are doing ok and hopefully by now the heat wave has let up a little.Thanks for the pretty card and goodie box. Joyce sent a pretty card with morn. glories on the front!! Can't wait until my bloom!! I have some planting to do! Joyce sent the following plants:
Canna Oxalis Purple Spiderwort and datura moonflower white!! I am adding the moon flower to my nephew's garden! I thank all of you for being so kind in sending plants I can use in my special garden!! Adding these plants makes it even more special!! Hugs to all!! Also included in Joyce's box was a wolf knick-nac!! Just adorable!! I have a new spot where I am putting my garden club wolfs! Also she sent a wonderful book titled Herbal Healing for Women!! Can't wait to read it! Also the cutest seed pack with ...you guessed it wolfs on it!! Thanks so much for adding to my day!! I hope you are enjoying your time in VA with your mom and sisters! I hope you have found cooler weather!! Take care!

Oh my gosh Annie where do I start?!! I made it by the BIG bee on the outside of the box!! What a wonderful box...were you also at the party some of the other gals had in my back yard?? You did a heck of a job on selecting things for me!! Ok here goes First of all the box was packed with the Seattle Times newspaper! You might be saying ok....and why are you telling us that?!! Well gals I lived in Seattle for 5 years and loved looking at the paper!! It gave me a warm fuzzy feeling as it brought back a lot of good memories! Pooch you couldn't of picked a better wrapping if you tried!! First off Clyde thanks you for the special doggie treats!! What cute wrapping paper! Thanks for thinking of him! In the plant department I have added to my garden the following thanks to Pooch
Pooch what is the name of the plant with white flowers? Looks maybe like bleeding heart or ohh I can't think of the name it is a wild flower...ok and a Pooch hosta (love the fact that you have one named after you!) She included some bulbs for anemones and Priscilla glads and yes just what I was waiting for a dahila!! Thanks I know you worked hard to get that one!! Plus Pooch sent the coolest coupons which allows me to get more dahilas in the spring time!! Very creative on your part Pooch! I just love the wind chimes you sent and can't wait to hang them outside! Also I loved the plastic bags you used for wrapping QFC ....haven't heard that name for a while...for those who don't know it is a grocery shop in Seattle. I am looking forward to using my new stickers....flowers and of course bees! BUZZZZZ!Annie also sent the cutest little terra cotta sprinkling can! I will select a plant on the deck so I can get much enjoyment from it. Bath cubes which will come in handy after a long day in the gardens. An adorable gift bag...very pretty Pooch! Also enclosed was Burt Bee Products!! Thanks I really love his products!! Can't forget the cool Happy Birthday candy and of course the snickers!! Clyde enjoyed one of those also!! Thanks so much Annie for the time and effort you put into making this a special box for me.

LOL Jan- you are so easy to please if you get excited about the wrapping and packing material! I didn't know you lived in Seattle in the past- how long ago was that?
It has surely changed in the 25 years we've been here.

The white flowers are indeed a Dicentra: "Langtrees" is the variety. They will establish and spread slowly in your shade garden or shady area. Foliage is a foot tall, flowers to about 18 inches tall. There should have been a tag taped or twist tied onto the wrapping. I am all excited because I have one lonely heart bloom on my new Bleeding Heart from a local swap- have never had the regular tall pink and white dicentra before.
Jan, truth be told, as it should: It is not really a Poochella Hosta or even a Pooch hosta. That means Poochella lost the name and renamed it! Just like Earthly's Poochella Grass LOL.
I'm glad you liked your things and do wish you the best Happy Birthday ever, coming right up! Glad Clyde liked his treats too. Had I known he liked Snickers, I would have included another boxful.

Pooch
You let the secret out of the bag!! I knew you didn't know the name of the hosta but I went along with the Pooch name! So that is the way it is labeled in my garden! I'll see how many hosta collectors I can fool with it!!! I moved to Seattle in 1984!! I am sure it has changed over the years~ I would love to go back and visit. I lived on Queen Ann Hill for a year then moved to Alki beach in West Seattle. What a beautiful state!! People who haven't traveled out west don't know what they are missing!! I adore your sense of humor Pooch!! Thanks for the infor. on the plant. I didn't see a tag hummm maybe Clyde ate it!! I doubt that with the other goodies he was busy checking out!!
Actually maybe I am easy to please...it is the small things in life and friends, people that make me happy!! However I still stick to my claim of you did a wonderful job at selecting goodies for myself and Clyde!! Enjoy your day!

First of all, to SUE, sorry but i totally screwed up the name of that plant. It is "False Acorus" real name is Iris pseudacorus. Much more attractive than the real acorus. If you looked that one up and were disapointed, maybe this will be better. They go well with siberian iris as they bloom about the same time,like the same conditions and the contrast of the colors is good.
Jan it has been fun enjoying your packages along with you this month. Tomorrow is "THE DAY" and I want again, to say Happy Birthday. Hope it is one of your best and we will all be thinking of you. Hang the crepepaper streamer someplace where you can't forget that is is your special day. If I could sneak into your yard I'd drape it through the garden. Hugs, BB

hi gals :))
well can hardly wait till july now :))) when it is my turn :)) my brother has one garden ready for me :))
it has ben hard to lay back & watch others do for
me , now I have the ok to start doing for myself ;))
I want to thank you all for being great players.
happy gardening to all
sue

sue

glad to hear you are up and about.

boy oh boy, sometimes i wish i could experience that ....it has been hard to lay back & watch others do for
me...even a day of it, i would LOVE IT !

you sound anxious sue. just think in a a couple more weeks it will be your turn. make sure you have plenty of "holes" dug.

A big thanks to Shelby's mom!! I am sorry about my delayed response on posting. Ok gals wow what a box filled with catus!! So cool!! I only have two planters with catus so this will be a welcomed addition! I will pot them up and put them on the deck until fall and then bring them in for the winter!! Catus is kind of new to me so I am looking forward to watching these grow!! I love blooming catus as they are always so pretty. I have a friend in CA whom has shared pictures of the cactus in bloom in the fields and they are just so cool. This was the best year and I guess that only happens every 25 years! Thanks again!! I hope your other June birthdays went well! Take care and thanks again for the goodies!!

I just wanted to post to all of you a Big Thanks for making my brithday extra special!! I appreciate all of you for taking the time and the efforts you put into making my day extra special!! I spent my birthday at a greenhouse wholesaler!! Oh my gosh!! What a wonderful place! No need to leave as they serve food and drinks right inside !! Prices were great!! I came home with a car load ! I even had plants on my lap!! Can't wait to get them planted!! I bought many plants to due some containers as I enjoy doing them! Friday, Saturday and Sunday I went out for dinner!! Almost forgot I went out Thursday night too!! I enjoyed my time with friends and family. I also went to the farmer's market on saturday and picked up just a couple of goodies. My parents surprised me with a glazing ball and stand!! It is so pretty! I have always wanted one and can't wait to display this one!! I guess to sum it up this birthday made up for never having a bday party as a child. Since my birthday wasn't during the school year I didn't get a special party!! So even though it was #44 I felt like a kid again and for that I thank you!! I will be working out in the gardens today and displaying all my new goodies!! What a fun day it will be!! Also for all whom sent goodies for Clyde!! What a special touch for him which touched me deeply! He may be 13 1/2 but wow he can still get excited! I can't wait to share this experience with the others in the group whom haven't had their month arrive yet!!
Again thanks to all of you!! I am honored to be a part of this fun loving group!!
Sue I am glad to hear that you have new garden space because you are going to need it!! Glad to hear you are feeling better and able to get around!

jan
so happy to hear that you have enjoyed yourself
here in the birthday robin :)))

I just have to tell ya girls be easy on me I have only 12 arces left to plant up now :)) I have NO!!!! room for sedums or house plants .

I have been giving away house plants for come this fall
I'm going to have some changes made in the house .

maybe I should invite you all to my house warmming party
in nov :)))
well girl 's today was my 1st day back out side to work in the yard & my 1st job was put a trellus up to my bedroom window and put my honeysuckle vine onto it :)))
oh so pretty.
well have to get some lunch you all have a great day .
sue

only 12 acres left to plant.....paaaaaaleeeeeeeaaaaaase!

what i could do with 12 acres (and no too close neighbors!)

sue, that just cracks me up

jan, i sure hope you don't mind, but i need to thank tina for her kindness and generosity.

Well, wasnt I surprised coming home today and finding a belated birthday box from none other than hummingbirddaisy (tina). Wow, what a great box it is.

First off, there were two potted seedlings  one being lavender and the other rosemary. How neat, I have nothing to do to them but watch them grow and repot when they need it.

There was also a nice piece of spiderwort, as well as a centaurea. That one I had to look up as I was not familiar, and itÂs quite nice. IÂll have to decide on a place for it, once itÂs finished drinking with its other buddies! There was also an un-named iris. Named or not, I just love iris. Also included were hens and chicks. I appreciate them. I grow them in all our old shoes, boots, and sneakers. They line a walkway and it just looks really neat to have all the different shapes and sizes of shoes filled with these.

As if that wasnÂt enough, there were three packages of seeds  lavender, coral bell and nasturtium (which are one of my favorite flowering as well as edible plants), a wonderful ceramic birdhouse and a neat garden sign that hangs on a mini shepherdÂs hook.

Tina, I wish to thank you for your kindness and generosity. I realize you have had so much going on in your life what with your motherÂs illness. You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.

i now return you to jan...................

Birthday girls, I'm back in action after graduating the only daughter from High School and all that that entails.
It was a wonderful experience and we are certainly the proud parents of a wonderful young woman, but now it's time to get dirty nails again.

Sue I'm glad you're feeling better. Twelve acres, hmmmm. You need some lamiastrum 'archangel' whose charming variegated foliage and cheery lemon yellow spring blossoms could cover that space in about 3 years.

Earthly, I was about to throw away many pairs of shoes and boots (found cleaning the house for graduation, you know...) and now I will save them for a wonderful planter idea courtesy of YOU. I hate to let things go to waste, and hen and chicks and other sedums are readily available. these are not shoes I would give to the local clothing bank- but suitable only for gardeneing. Thanks!

Jan, We graduated the daughter at Seattle Center: Key Arena home of the Supersonics to be exact, then had dinner atop Queen Anne Hill at our old time favorite pizza place. Wonderful day- clear blue skies, sleeveless warm weather. It's a wonderful part of the city and a meaningful day was had for all. West Seattle where you said you lived is equally wonderful- a whole little community unto itself these days.

Sue, you're next on the Bday list. Don't be shy about posting your every whim and desire. With that much space I'd be begging and pleading for a tractor! You lucky dog!

well gals my biggest birthday wish :)))
would be to have an extreme home & garden makeover ::!!!!
with tye pennington :)))
like that could ever happen in my life time ;))
so guess I will have to keep my dreams down to earth .
this might help simplify things for all of you.

you might say I'm 1/2 way plus to the 100 yr old mark.
I have 3 neighbors cats who live here 24-7 along with my
6 birds , & I take care of my 92 yr old father.

poo I bought a new garden tractor back in january for
my father's birthday hehehehe .
I use it the most & love it , so far i have 2 new
flowerbeds ready for all my birthday boxes :)))

anyway here are a few things on my dream list .

columbines - other than yellow
blanket flower - fanfare
cascading Mums any colors
mums of any colors "purple is cool"
want some aster's that get 3-4ft hight
rudbeckia greenwizzard
varigated sedum
siberian iris
hollyhock dbl's
gaura pink lady or any color
coneflower's orange - white-
blue-eyed grass
hardy hibiscus all colors
red maple tree ******
most of all I'd like to find some
ornamental grasses to grow

I can't do house plants no room so please nothing that
i have to bring in for the winter.

as for gifts save your money send more plants :)))
I'm sure you all have had that " plant attack fever"
I just want to say that you all are really great gals
& it is much fun sharing with you .
happy gardening .
sue

I just wanted to post to let you know that Tina'a mother passed away. My thoughts and prayers remain with her and the family.

I wanted to post that I received a wonderful goodie box from Tina. I truly appreicate your time and efforts that you put worth during this difficult time.
Tina sent a wonderful stone for my nephews garden. Oh I just love it and don't have anything like that! Also thanks for the wine and roses glads!! I have planted over 200 now and can't wait for them to put on a show. Tina also enclosed several starts of mints!! I think Sue might want to get into some mints as they spread quickly!! I have 10 acres myself. All 10 acres are landscaped in some form or other. Also thanks for the canna lilies! They are so cool and I have added them to my tropical garden! Clyde is a happy camper...thanks for including him...he loves his treats!! You are right the tin is beautiful!! Those are my colors purples!!
I do thank you for all the lovely gifts and for the trades we have made over the past couple of months.
Many hugs are sent your way! Remeber to take time for yourself! Take care.

Hi Pooch
Thanks for the update on the happenings around Seattle!! Congratulations on your daughter's graduation!! Sounds like you had a beautiful day for it!! It sounds like all went well and we are glad to have you back!!

Thanks to all of you for making my birthday month very special and one to remember!!
I was happy to see Sue posted a want list as it is fun to send something the person wants and can use!!
I guess it is time for me to pass the torch on to our lovely hostess Sue............Enjoy your special month Sue.

I am looking forward to sharing with the rest of the birthday bunch!!

Sue I am glad you have an area prepared as once the boxes start coming you will lots to plant!! I hope you enjoy your month!!

Ok Sue watch out as the torch is on its way!!! Since you don't live to far from me I will be running it over your way!! Keep a watch out for me!! Have lots of water ready as it is going to be in the 90's everyday next week!!

jan
I think it is about 90 out there now and it is only 9:45am
good thing I have air condictioning , I wake at 5am to get out to water the garden but still need that big rain to really help :))

thank you for the torch & I'm waiting patiently :))
beth has already started my bithday off to a good start
her plants she sent is planted & doing well so far.

by the way please " NO MINTS" I have to many now taken over my gardens . I know how fast they grow :))

I forgot to add large hosta would be nice . ladies
as for the names of plants it is no matter to me for I sometimes forget myown name , so please the daylilies do not have to have a name I will give them names as I adopt them , same as other plants as long as you know what family they come from name is no problem .
give me color, plant family, & if it dose well in shade or full sun , I will worry about the rest :)))
thank you all

bring them on :))) after the heat wave please.

sue

TINA "
Just wanted to send you my deepest reguards & let
you know our prayers are with you.
if we can help in anyway just let us know .
sue

sue,

who are our current players?
i'm lost on who came in, who left and who took their place and who left again.

thanks,
earthly

p.s. guess you are getting real anxious with just 4 more days to go???????

Tina, my condolences also on the passing of your Mom. That has got to be one of the hardest milestones in life's path. You are so kind to think of Jan despite all your worries and woes. Take care of yourself!

Thanks for posting the 'wish and whim' list Sue. I have a problem: in excavating plants for another swap, I realized it's going to be harder than heck to send things I want to send while they are growing during the summer. i.e. They are 4 ft tall or 4 ft wide. It seems I recall a comment about this dilemma but I don't recall the solution; which pretty much sums up my mental capacity LOL >: )

Can we do IOU's for plants a birthday person might want, but is impossible to divide or ship until Fall or Spring?

And Sue, You've been so good at updating us via email on switchers, droppers, and new players; but I also would greatly appreciate an entire list of the upcoming months birthday people, so I can keep them in mind as time goes on.
BTW You are getting MINTS from me! Birthday-melt-in-your-mouth-mints, like em or not! I swear one taste will take you right back to childhood....

Here is a cut/paste and my editing of the original list from way back in February! Back in the days when Mellen, Earthly, and Jan were a year younger!
Sue, as hostess with the mostess can you just edit this so we are all up to date on our participants? Many thanks- you are doing a terrific job here.

Here's the original list, updated from emails I've got from wonder hostess Sue\- and ready for editing as needed: Aprill 17th \- mellen May 22 \- earthly delight June 17th \- plantlady July 9th \- your host (skohler) TA DAA!!! Aug 30th\- Gardeningwithbaby out//bears15ne aka Ronda now in, then OUT. OMG! Djm Doris\*\* is now taking August! I think. Sept 3rd\- beth\_b\_Kodiak\-asks that boxes arrive 9/12\-15th. Oct 3rd \-Rewards1 Nov Hija\_de\_Lamdre Out// What's going on here? Holiday name drawing/exchange? \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_ Dec 23Rd \- Gardeningnutinva out//Creekmom in\_\_right? Jan 16th \- Becksterca out/ Hummingbirddaisy aka Tina now in Feb 8th \-Shellyraymom Mar 19th \- poochella\- oh so patiently waiting : ) That's my editing of Sue's original signer uppers. Please update us if that's wrong. \*\*I think DJM's city needs to be changed to "Mt.P..." from "My P..." that I got in email. A thousand thanks for keeping us going Sue! Poochella

Hi pooch
I was going to repost the list 2 weeks ago & forgot
& since I'm nolonger on bed rest I have been up early
to get my gardens taken care of before the heat wave .
11 am just came in and it is already high 70's :(((

yes I'm getting excited & I would love a rain check
on the large plants pooch :))) or the best way is to maybe cut it back & we can still plant it so that it will come back up next year, but if your like me I hate to cut anything back :))

well here is the new list

July 9th - your hostess Skohler
Aug 12th - Djm906
Sept 3rd - Beth_b_kodiak
Oct 3rd -Rewards1
Nov 25th our xmas drawing :))))
Dec 15th- Creekmom
Jan 15th - Hummingbirddaisy
Feb 8th - shelbyraymom
Mar 19th - POOCHELLA

now if anyone wants to go on for another year, after we see how everyone enjoyed this one .
I would be happy to keep our birthday club going.
but we will see when that time comes.

just want to let the winter gals know that in sept & oct you will get plants from me for it will be cooler to send . well girls have to go mow lawn hope this
will help you all , if you want or need thier info
email me & I can send it .
I found a new love :))) Hardy hibiscus :))

happy gardening
sue

Ho, Hi Ho; I've come from the PO...

Sue Kohler standby, for your birthday box is winging its fleetfooted way eastward carrying my birthday offerings and fondest wishes for a great birthday. Everything is well hydrated as we got 2 inches of rain overnight. Enjoy!