What a post! Would it bother you if I copied it and sent it to my greenhouse teacher? From working at a garden center: "What are these?" -"Fluffy seed pods from a Clematis" "No way, they never had them before!" -"Yep, that's what they are." "I want a SECOND opinion" -"Sure, hey ... do you happen to know what these are?" *Quizzical look at me* "Clematis seeds..." *Some more argument from customer on the subject* "Well, they're hideous." Yeah, that was an interesting one. It's not uncommon to have customers ask for a second opinion on an insect problem or something like that when they don't like the answer. I was really taken back by this one though. Many conversations begin with: "You know that tree in that yard by the church on ivelivedhereallmylifebutneverheardofit street? What is it?" You can never own too many pairs of Crocs. Keep pennies on hand for the kiddies to throw in the fountain. Harry Lauder's Walking Stick makes a wonderful conversation piece next to the cash register. When ordering petunias, if it doesn't say "wave" don't bother. People have no idea what they're exposure is like. -Use words like South and West, then ask them questions like, what time they eat dinner in the summer and where. If the answer is 5:30 on the back deck, ask them if they have to wear sunglasses or a sweater and go from there. If customers start a pile of plants next to the register, organize them by price. There is one customer every day that wants you to landscape their entire yard 10 minutes to closing. Know and accept this fact. Know plants in this order: -Vague description -Culture requirements and common name(s) -Deer resistance -Scientific names

The best thing about Minnesota is the reputed cold winters. It helps keep the riff-raff out! Though the common joke is "2 seasons, winter and road construction" the two best seasons are often overlooked. The beauty of spring and fall can be breathtaking. (Check out Joanmn's pic that was chosen for a billboard. It's in another thread.) Where else would people build an ? Weather is a big topic of conversation because it has an impact on so much of the lifestyle of the state. Not just for recreation but also for agriculture and other occupations. Outdoor or indoor recreation, there's variety. Overall consistently one of the highest rated for public education and after talking to people from different parts of the country, I see that's quite true. Quality of life is subjective, but overall the health of Minnesotans is up there too. The Mayo, mentioned before has treated presidents and worldwide royalty. When people have serious illnesses, the Mayo is the top of the lists for places to go most of the time. The Mall of America is the largest in the US, the Edmonton mall is the largest in the world, both malls built by the same guys. Skiing, golfing, fishing, hunting, crafts, cooking, eating, naps and many other hobbies are among Minnesota favorites. January is the coldest month with an average high of 22° and July is the hottest with an average high of 83°. The highest recorded temperature was 108°F in July of 1936. The lowest recorded temperature was -41°F in January of 1888. Many vehicles around here are equipped with heaters and air conditioners so it's not quite like Little House on the Prairie with the horse and wagon in the blizzard. I haven't even taken out my winter coat yet. I use a quilted flannel shirt. It hasn't gotten cold here yet. It might though. There's lots of webcams to have a look at the metro area, traffic cams, there's even loon cams fish cams and more. Because we have so many lakes and woods and more, we tend to have a few mosquitoes. The major metro areas treat for them so they're not as big a problem as many think. Lakes and air are very clean. Canadians sneak across the border to partake in our reasonable prices. But we're likable and forgiving people - we don't kick them "oot", eh? I think they like the big bobber water tower. Most of our houses don't have wheels on them and most have basements under them. I'll never forget when my Texican cousin first visited, she couldn't get over the basement and spent most of her time down there! Soon you'll receive your Lutefisk lessons and venture out to go to the fishhouse parade in Aitkin or watch the ships come and go in Duluth/Superior. Want to see an open pit iron ore mine? Take a quick video tour. We'll be glad to share some hotdish recipes too. Then it's of to greet Paul, Babe, Herman the German, the big Otter the largest prairie chicken and the big ball of twine. Go watch "Old Gluepot" run the Ken-L-Ration Derby at Canterbuy Downs. Pick a pony there. Entertaining. BTW, Walleye is good, no doubt... but you ain't et fish 'till you et fresh caught Sunfish. Fry them with the skin on - there's a fat under the skin that's indescribably delicious. Ah yes, Minnesota, where the winters are cold and the women are colder, the men are tough enough to fry bacon without a shirt on and all the mosquitoes are bigger than average. Here is a link that might be useful: Lots of links to check out

Howdy to all my fellow gardeners. I'm currently looking for Green Tea seeds (Camellia sinensis) as well as some other unusual culinary herbs. I have a fairly extensive trade list, so if you're willing to do a trade, let me know. Below are some other culinary herbs I'm looking for, however, I'm always open to suggestions: Asafoetida (Ferula assa-foetida) Caraway thyme (Thymus herba- barona) Cilician Parsley (Petroselinum crispum) Conehead thyme (Coriothymus capitatus) Fish Mint (Houttuynia 'Chameleon') Golpar (Heracleum persicum) Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta) Green Tea (Camellia sinensis) Hops (Humulus lupulus) -- Named only. I currently have 'Liberty.' Jimbu (Allium hypsistum and Allium przewalskianum) Korarima (Aframomum corrorima) Pink savory (Satureja thymbra)

Funny you should mention this plant. I have been trying to find the spice for cooking. I went to every specialty store I could think of and none of them had it and now I can't even remember the recipe I wanted it for!