So, it is party time again, folks!

[wiseheart]

Each year this time, we launch my virtual birthday party, which starts on October 1 and ends on October 9 at midnight, sharp. The goals of the party are to post as many comments and collapse as many threads as possible, on as many new pages as we can. It is always great fun, as you can see if you check out the similar entries of the last few years.

This year, I'll also throw the real party at mid-time - and post the recipes of all the food that will be there for you, so that you can all participate if you want to. Virtual food has no calories.

Fandom-related discussions are as welcome as the ones about coffee or chocolate (just to name a few favourites from previous years), and, of course, pictures and recipes of birthday cakes. ;)

So, drop by, tell your story, post your pics or silly poems, ask questions you always wanted to ask and have a good time!

Soledad, in excited expectation




Oh, and by the way, to provide birthday gifts hobbit-style, I've got a revived story and a Kansas 2 update for you.

Enjoy!

Comments

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

It sounds a really lovely woodland garden! I'd love to have hostas but we have a big slug problem; the bergenia seems a bit more slug resistant. We have a big old lacecap as a wall shrub that was here when we came but got the builders' treatment last year; luckily it is recovering -- it must be very robust!

It's good that you can plant spring bulbs, they're always cheerful. We're trying to do that this year but haven't got round to putting in the majority yet -- last year the squirrels destroyed 90% (even the ones they're not supposed to like) and the builders trampled the ones that did come up, so we're putting them under wire mesh, but that takes more time of course so most of them are still languishing in the kitchen.

What's the problem with multiflora roses? Around here it's invasive rhododendrons that are the problem escapees.

[elmey.livejournal.com]

Well it does sound nice, but that's because I haven't mentioned the weeds, etc. It's a benign neglect sort of garden.

Here are the sad facts on the Multiflora Rose:

http://www.nps.gov/plants/alien/pubs/midatlantic/romu.htm

That said, when they're blooming (huge bushes) all along the paths of the park and the roads in June, they're beautiful and have a lovely soft scent.

[espresso-addict.livejournal.com]

Ah, I know all about benign neglect gardens. We have more nettles than any other plant (sadly including grass).

The Multiflora cultivar Rambling Rector is widely grown over here; it doesn't seem to be invasive though it does get warnings not to plant it in too small a space. I don't think roses have been widely used in agricultural hedging -- traditionally hawthorn is used, though one does get dog roses in it from time to time, but they're native here.

There's a big problem with Rhododendron in the UK -- it's invasive and seems to be capable of growing absolutely everywhere.