New project bed

I just cancelled my trip to Canon Beach, too much to do.
So I could definitely swing up there Saturday am.

neofarmer, looking forward to meeting you on Saturday at DF. Gwen, I'm going to leave my place at 8:45am to be up at DF by 9:30am. on the way home, I'm meeting my gardener in Bremerton, to meet a client of his around 12:30. I should be home after 2:00pm. Jim

I know I'm just here in a vicarious way, but I do just love the meeting-up-ness of this community. Lovely.

Laurie1, I'll take photos and you can come along virtually. ;)

Also, I am going to throw a bunch of plants that I have too many of
into my car and will give away to whoever wants any. Will probably bring
some of the JMs as I have waaaay too many.

Oh, man - save a JM or two for me, would you neofarmer? I can d-mail you about what I have to trade.

Yes, Laurie, you're right. Makes us sound like we're a bunch of family members who live next door to one-another. And that would be a good thing as gas prices continue to head straight up for us. Bus ridership is up something like 15%, which I'm seeing in my daily commute. I skipped 3 buses last night because they were standing room only. I finally took the fourth and got the last spot because I had waited 1/2 hour and there was no sign of the throngs abating.

Standing for 1.5 after work is not my favorite thing to do. And you can't read when you're spending all your time keeping your fanny out of the faces of the people sitting right next to you. LOL.

Sure thing katie59

Gas prices are hideous, to be sure, but Laurie has been paying this much for awhile, I'm thinking. Keeps me from running up to Dragonfly as often as I would like, though. I need to get up there. I left my dragonfly umbrella there last time and she's saving it for me.
Just now I am grateful that my daily commute is less than 10 minutes and that my DH works from home 2 days a week. I heard that the state government employees are now going to be encouraged to work 4/10's instead of 5 days a week to cut down on gas use. Too bad it has to come to this before people pay attention.

It is sad.
Hey Neo, on your way by trow a couple down the drive for me, I have to work LOL

No comment on petrol prices - but a lot of empathy knowing it is a hard change for all of you. I do advocate public transport though - and think the local communities need to really campaign hard for a rapid increase in the number of buses to keep them full, but comfortable. Riding rail/bus really encourages reading, (yeah team!) and when kept comfortable, tolerance and social awareness. Katie, I am awarding you extra gold stars on your shoes for being on that bus! xx on each cheek, from one Prole to another. I love public transport - never drive in the city, and take trains when ever possible. I've had some delightful gardening conversations on the trip between London and home, particularly when I was carrying a 1.2 mtr Japanese maple in full leaf! At rush hour. Farewell gift from a student - I've always wondered about that. I still think that may have been a touch of revenge for one of those class presentations I assigned. Hmmmm. Nahhhhh.

Neo, I look forward to all those snaps - I love the family photos!

Mary, don't worry, there will be plenty for you!
You can stop by anytime and pick up a few. In fact I meant to offer one for Buddy's spot.
Just Dmail me.

Laurie1, you guys are way ahead of us in the public transportation department.
I remembering my FIRST ever subway ride was in London, having flown there
with my highschool band from Arkansas. Of course everything was new to me,
considering that Arkansas wasn't much of a cultural hub in the early 70s. :)

I take a bus to a ferry to a bus to get to work, one and half hours each way.
I have been off work since January,so am expecting the ridership to be much higher.
The bus was always packed and I had to stand up front on the ferry and run to catch it,
generally being one of the last ones, I'll either have to take the next, slower all-stops bus, or stand.
I have been reading about the coming oil problems for quite a few years, so I am not surprised.
If you want to get your knickers in a knot, just read the headlines gathered here:

http://www.lifeaftertheoilcrash.net/BreakingNews.html

This site used to be considered part of the tin foil brigade, but is now being quoted by
The Wall Street Journal, etc.

A Japanese Maple from a student?! Hey, all I get are chocolates. :)
The asian students are definitely the best at giving gifts to their instructors.
I am always fascinated how when I walk around the class handing them the
assignment packets, they turn in their seats, reach out both hands, and THANK me.
Most students don't even turn around and I have to lay their papers beside their computers.

I teach in the Video Game Design department, what do you teach?

(oops, sorry NWGordon, I thought I was on the thread I started, not yours.)

This message was edited Jun 6, 2008 7:22 AM

I know it is a real slog at times, but I have to say commuting by Ferry has to be one of the most romantic (sounding) modes of transport. I'm sure reality, and day-to-dayness makes it less so.

And teaching Video Game Design must be one of the coolest teaching posts! I'm afraid I have only taught on psychotherapy training programmes.

Yes, having someone else do the driving gives me time to stare out the window,
or grade, or chat with co-workers, plus the view of puget sound and the mountains is tremendous.

Try being "cool" to a bunch of college students when you are 54! It takes all of my energy
trying to keep up on the things that they are into, but they respect that.

Psychotherapy, eh? So are you secretly analyzing our transactions? ;)

I'm going to pass on Drangonfly tomorrow. Can't find anyone to go with. Hopefully I can make the next trip.

Gwen

Gordon, are you still going? I have plenty to do at home, so don't want to be the only one showing up.
Although that would mean more plants for me!

No I am still going! Just been working doubles for the last few days. Look foward to meeting you, neo! If you bring a few of the JMs I can get one to Kathy, or she could swing by here and pick it up.
Jim, I can bring some datura with me, they are seedlings, but look ready to go out. Three that I started from seeds are already out there and doing fine.
Hey Gwen, there will be at least three of us there! Come on out around 10am and hang for 1/2 hour! You'll be happy when you get one of those himalayan poppies, they are the coolest little plants! Everyone got some at the last big meet!

Hi Gordon, I just love your orb, can it come spend a few months here?

LOL! Getting on public transport with a Japanese Maple tree? Fabulous!! Should have been filmed!
It will be interesting to see how the transit authority responds to the newly developing need for more vehicles. We always vote for their funding, but it's really been a struggle for them to get public support. I hope that changes. I love taking the bus to the airport when we go on trips. It's just so easy! And no parking! And my dh cannot wait until the train station in Lakewood is finished. He'll be able to take the train to work. He bemoans the lack of good public transport here. It's different on the east coast.

Neo, I don't know if I really want to get my knickers in a twist, I can go there too easily! But thanks for the link. I'll check it out and try to stay un-twisted. LOL!

Gordon, you're very sweet. Thank you!! I need to find a time to get over there and see your new orb and gardens. Sorry again about the weekend.

Gordon et al, sorry I didn't make it up to Dragonfly. I woke up at 5 min to 9am. and I wouldn't have made it in time to see everyone. I went to the Tacoma Pt. Defiance garden show on Friday. what miserable weather!!! made it by Naylor Creek and bought some veriagated leaf Arisaema. I wanted to purchase some really nice species Rhododendron. but the pouring down rain made it difficult to get them to my car. so I passed on it. are we going to have a Summer? see you all next time, Jim

I wonder how the show will do this year? It was raining last year, too, on the day I went. This year I'm skipping it because I can't see going in this weather. I usually go and get the good deals at B and D lilies. Did they have good exhibits?

Melissa, Naylor Creek and B & D were really busy. but I'm sure the weather hurt them, how much I don't know. I know if the weather was better I'd have spent 3 times what I did. I'm still regretting not buying those species Rhody's, I think they were at the arboretum booth. maybe I'll come accross them somewhere else. Jim

Well, here is the progress so far. Planted lots of stuff, and remember there are 30 cannas planted in here also. Going to get the gravel and some rocks for around the borders, but pretty close to there.

I haven't planted these yet, but this is what's going in the orb. A red hibiscus and three hoyas.If it ever warms up, this will look great!

NWGordon are those trellis' available somewhere now? They are really nice. And your garden is looking good. Nice choice on the orb. Must go back and get one and a big leaf also.

Oh Gordon - you've been a busy man!!!
Be sure to update the photo every couple weeks. I for one, love seeing the progression, & the idea take form.
Hope we have some warm weather soon - those Cannas will take off!

I was weeding in the new beds at my house yesterday between squalls, and notices that most of my new cannas have broken ground including the Tropicanna that Gordon tossed my way.

I also noticed that an area in my lawn that I reseeded a month ago is starting to swell. Could it be the Cynara cardunculus bulb that I tossed in for fun? Maybe....

Spring is the Puget Sound Trough is here.

Rob

Looks great. Looking forward to seeing it grow.

Hey Rob, you may have a monster hatching, under that sod, be weary.

Gordon, that looks wonderful, and I am glad to know what you are planting in the orb...since you didn't answer my question earlier in the thread I assume you are going to let the orb come and spend a few weeks here...lol
That would be fun a traveling orb...it may come home with new plants in it...lol

Looks great..hey I have little green tomatoes!

I hope you will keep us posted with photos as things grow.
I planted a few cannas last year. Only one broke ground and it only got a little tall but no flowers. That one was in a very large pot. The others were in the ground. This year nada. :(
All get excellent drainage.

Gwen

Well, my puter works again, and I hope I can finish that bed today and post pics.What a lousy week, double shifts at work, crappy weather, computer goes bonkers, and caladiums just rotting away in this weather. Next week has got to be better!!

Hi Gordon - So sorry to hear that things have not gone well. My Caladiums are melting as well, and many things are too drenched & cold to shake it off. Wondering what will go into shock first: the plants or myself? When the sun does come out to stay, we'll complain about the heat. I am grateful that this weather has allowed me to continue moving/planting things. However, I am already planning for next year's veg garden. This year has given us yet another short spring/summer, and lessons are being relearned - again!
In any case - have a wonderful Father's day, and enjoy the kids you grew!

Yeah, my kids are almost ripe! Well one is and the other close behind, then out the door, to get planted in the world.Hey, I got a $100 g c for WM! Maybe tommorow at around 1:30ish?

Hi Gordon - I'm sorry that i didn't check in until today - I would love to have gone plant shopping with you again. You're a ruthless enabler!!!
I have been quite busy - my son graduated & I had family in town. I have worked 2 - 12 hour days in a row, and ready to pass out - in the garden, of course, with some sunshine, please!
A $100 gc? whooohooo!!!! What did you buy? Do tell!
If you are going to be at WM again soon, let me know & I'll try to reschedule my lunchtime.
See you next time - K