Is this heaven? : )

Wow!
Just stumbled on this site around midnight and I can't believe my good fortune. I am a gardening FIEND, and have always dreamed of such a community. Thank you, thank you thank you DG!

I began gardening to save my sanity at the age of 18 or so; always as a renter, so there have been many losses over the years (the worse was when I went to retrieve things after my move to find they had paved over the soil and put in an RV lot!)...I had been restraining myself--relatively speaking--until about two years ago when I just said 'f-it' and started laying down some cash for more rare plants, gopher wire, soil amendments, etc. Then it happened: we bought land!! I moved just about everything, including the soil! (Also a compost junkie, I go to such lengths as regular trips to the ocean for seaweed, filching neighbors' grass trimmings, shoveling at lama farms--this was/is some good soil: sooooo many worms...) Am in the process now of procuring a small worm farm; would love to hear from other vermiculturers.

So here we are. New challenges are deer, bunnies, trap and wire-proof gophers(!), and frosts in the winter. Finally, I can include TREES in my gardening repetoire! I've just joined Society of Rare Fruit Growers and had a blast at their spring grafting swap! Also the idea of a greenhouse now becomes a possibility.

I practice Classical Chinese Medicine and wish to create a medicinal herb garden near the clinic (western and eastern), and also to develop a 'garden labrynth' for meditative walks; in the center I see a pond w/waterlilies and turtles : ) (hmmm, will have to research coyote/bobcat/puma interfaces w/turtles...) I live near Santa Cruz CA and would love to hook up with any neighbors via DG...

Now, then, back to my trade list! ; )

sevensisters- i would like to welcome you to daves garden from upstate new york. sounds like you have a lot on your plate. this is a great place. everyone is friendly and very helpful. if you have any qestions just ask and someone will have an answer. once again, welcome and enjoy.

Welcome to Dave's Garden! You're definately in the right place.

Hi Sevensisters:

I planted some "Houttuynia" in 1998...one plant. Needless to say, I now have a gazillion of them, and need to get it OUT OF THE BED that it is taking over. Someone told me that this plant is used as a medicinal plant and that someone might like the leaves? I am using a vineger spray to try to get rid of it.,,,I may end up just digging out the bed completely. It is beautiful; I just don't need it everywhere.
thanks...MargeeTx.

Hi Margee

Houttuynia in mandarin is called yu xing cao, literally 'fishy-smelling herb' (cao indicates the leaf is the part used)
actions and indications: clears heat and toxin, reduces swellings and abscesses--for lung abscess or cough with expectoration of thick, yellow-green sputum. Also relieves toxic sores, swellings and pus, both taken internally and topical application. Also drains damp-heat diarrhea in the large intestine and burning urination. Treats pneumonia, bronchitis, colitis and urinary tract infections...

I would love to have some of the live plant if that is something you can accomodate. Let me know what I can give in return : )

Welcome. Hope you are finding everything easily.