Hi Peter
I'm delighted to read that Carol is well, and even more delighted to hear that yu are both in such good shape to go out and enjoy a regular game of tennis
Thats a very good initiative by City of Redmond to provide the special facilities to seniors!
Pictures are showing up rather "grainy", Peter, but I can see that Our Garden of Dreams is still being lovingly tended to.
I know all about nature reclaiming the land. Mind you, we dont have giant conifers coming up as weeds here!
Did a little research on Salal
http://www.slugsandsalal.com/plantdb/shrubs/salal.htmlI see it spreads by suckers and seeds, so its a survivor!
On the plus side, I read that its very benifical to wildlife:
Salal attracts wildlife, butterflies and bees for its waxy, pollen laden flowers, and birds and bears later in the summer when the heavy, purple-black berries ripen.
Have you tried making jelly? Quote from same site:
The berries have been used for thousands of years by native North Americans, Today, many people still make jelly with the somewhat bland fruit.
In actual fact, we grow Gaultheria over here. Need to investigate the varieties. Ive one plant in my garden - its a miniature little thing with lovely glossy leaves.
No doubt our members will tell us more.
Great to hear from you and hope you find time to keep visiting and keeping us up to date on happenings in the Pacific NW.
What about your holiday home? Now that is something special
Very best regards
George
