denial, To clarify the gardens began here in 2002. They are created and maintained by myself and 14 yr. old son, Nick. They are my release and a place to evaluate the garden worthiness of a plant. You don't need expensive plants to create and have a garden; what you put in is what you get out. Trading is an excellent source of inexpensive plants. It seems now that is in jeopardy. My point about all this is: The suppliers of these inexpensive "box" plants are knowingly flooding the market with bad plants. They get by with it because the plants continue to be purchased. Perhaps you can relate to this: how do you feel about all this bailout money we as taxpayers are forking over because of misrepresented equities and assets. Hosta started to gain popularity in the early nineties. Since then we have 7 known viruses, nematodes, etc. Many of us were blindsided by this and it seems to be a shame on something that used to be so durable, such as "growing in the driveway" Plants continue to be infiltrated in the millions even though they know the problems and cover it up. There are many good sources of inexpensive plants. You are welcome to visit and evaluate the gardens at that time.

Excuse me if I pick on some these posts that are whinning! Our house we sold two years ago had plenty of projects and repairs over 23 years we lived in it. And I had plenty of time for the family. I coached all three boys in little league and babe ruth baseball leagues. When they went on to high school, I became president of the band parents associations and made almost every band competition for 8 straight years for two sons. Never missed my wife's birthday or our anniversay. I spent over 10 years as a Scoutmaster and two of the boys are Eagle Scouts. And yes, both my wife and I held down full times jobs with some days being 14 hours long. So don't tell me you don't have time to care of your family and your house. It takes planning and hard work to make it all go. Owning a house means you will always have a project or four to do. What did you expect? Owning a house also means pride in ownership. Whether you like it or not, the condition of your house is a reflection of you! A house can be full of children, looked lived in and still be in great condition. Two years ago we purchased what many of you would call a money pit. We saw an opportunity to get the house we wanted at a price well below the market value! The house was a mess. Some shoddy workmanship on sheetrock taping - I've redone almost every corner joint in the house. Ugly and poor landscaping. But it was mostly negelect because the people owned more than they could care for. In fact, they were bankrupt. Today, this seems to be the norm instead of the exception. So to date, 39 projects completed and counting. Some were done by contractors, but most by me. All the contractor work was completed on time and for the price quoted. I do my research and both my wife and I interview each contractor we call for an estimate. We have criteria we use to rate contractors: 1. Return calls promptly 2. Show up on time or call if delayed 3. Understand specifics of job we want done. 4. Receive an estimate within a resonable amount of time 5. Check references 6. Check quality of material being used 7. Check the Better Business Bureau I have a handful of contractors I call for specific jobs such as electrical, landscaping, major carpentry, plumbing and septic and well. Just have to juggle their schedules versus ours. A lesson for all who complain they can't get it done right. Do your research. Read up on material that pertains to your situation. Almost all the information you need is on the internet. And let's all take a lesson from our parents/ grandparents - learn to use some basic tools correctly and safely and you will be suprised what you can accomplish. Enjoy the journey. eal51 in western CT

Hey someone who had the same thing happen to them as me. My SS went into the Marine's after living with us for about 3 months. I was so happy because this dumb kid had nothing going for him...at all...just like some of his other siblings. Well he went and sailed through the basic training. We went to the graduation. He got sent to another school for training and that's when he started to let my DH that "he" didn't like it and wanted out. Then he would call and say "he" was just joking. Then all of a sudden wouldn't ya know he's getting discharged!!!! It was something drug related ( and to this day I don't fully know, cause the dumb idiot won't tell us). Anyway he was coming to our house, but stopped off at his mom's on the way home for about 2 months to do every type of drug known to man. Finally the little boy got to our house. While we were waiting for Capt. Dumber then a box of rocks to get to our house. My hubby and I had a little talk. He was just gonna let him come home with NO rules. I said "not gonna happen". I made up the rules, he had to agree to them and then we presented to loser the "small BOOK of rules". His brother (who was visiting from the Army) at the time said that these were more strict then being in boot camp. I explained that I was going to be someone he wished he never knew... The wussy kid didn't last a month. We "per the rules" as a team explained to the future "I live under a bridge candidate" that he needed to vacate our house. He didn't do what was expected and that he signed on the dotted line saying that he would. I'm sorry I don't let people live in our house that are that dumb. My DH ex monster in law came and got him and yelled at us. She even put the ex wife on the phone with DH. Well while they were chatting (she was yelling, I could hear). I decided to get something straight with Grandma sitting in front of me. I told her that she is not to tell us what to do in our own home, she can let this thing come live with her, and let him do or not do in HER own home, but don't you ever come into MY home and tell me or him what WE are doing wrong with HIS son...got it. They left....3 years later my SS is still sponging off her for free...oh did I mention that he acquired a DUI too? ( he's done some other really bad things, but I can't and won't go into detail) while he's been with her. You know the moral of the story is he's not on our dime and Granny got what she wanted...someone who steal's from her.

Yes, they do, Mama Pinky. I left some info for you for your neighbor with the baby possum.....what to feed it. Don't know if you saw it. They get crippled very easily if not fed a good diet. On that other thread where we talked about the raccoon in your yard. She is a lot tamer... every day. I wish she would think I was her Mama. Would make it easier for all concerned. It is hard to find enough time to spend with her. I have considered getting another one from my partner. I have even considered sending her there. I probably won't do that though, because I still think she has a better chance (life) here. I don't want to put her in a cage. Right now she is in a crate but I will be letting her out to stay with me in the house, whenever I can.