Forgot to mention Dave; I'm a rock hound too, due to a friend and mentor of mind that has your same garden style and eye for design. He is very limited in space thou here in Seattle on the Beach; he gave me some petrified wood that are exquisite, still trying to fine the best conifers to utilize and set off. You have inspired me to get moving and do it - thanks for the boot/kick. (LOL -- hahah) Cheers,

With a garden like that, Dave, I'm surprised none of your neighbors haven't taken up conifer gardening. You're certainly showing them the way!

Mike

Mike, they all think I am crazy. I just laugh. On occasion, when they think I am not around, I secretly see them hanging on my fence looking over my garden. Every once in a while they even hint of the need for someone to design a garden for them. All have no idea of the amount of time it takes to put this together. I started doing this as an amateur and I still am. There is not enough time left for me to become a pro. I always admired your garden and your ability to arrange everything to balance and look as natural as possible. With age it has become a thing of beauty.

An artist; who is so humble and kind, don't feel alone Dave --- all my neighbors thinks I'm crazy too. Just another name for true genius; I get the last laugh, because for the last 5 years -- I have over a half dozen neighbors (just on our block -- both side of the street) redoing their entire yard to conifers and Japanese maples. (LOL).

They bug me about names? Where to buy? How to plant? I send them all to West Seattle Nursery and give them to specific people that work there, to see and talk with. The owner is a friend of mine for over 30 years; since when he first open up, he needs the customer now more than ever -- they nearly had to shut down last year due to the property owner of the small lot wasn't going to renew his lease/wanted to sell out to developers (Mark would have to lay off over 30 people and I would have to commute 30 minutes to an hour to the next nearest nursery). In debt to the hilt; so I enjoy sending these new neighbors to spend at West Seattle Nursery --- so keep up the great work, you're inspirational.

My husband started telling new, snooty neighbors to leave $20.00 - $50.00 in our lock mail box to view the garden -- it will go to a good cause!!! (LOL).

Cheers,

p.s.: thank you for sharing with this crazy addicts and teaching some of your experiences and knowledge. You're a Pro and Master as far as I'm concern -- how did Dax put it "Artistry and Mastery" Pruning included!"

Dave ,when I open your posts , your pics bring me right into your garden

lunch time at work,,,,,,,instant CALM

Thanks , ron