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introduction

Hi Everyone!

        Time, I guess, to introduce myself to the group.  My name is Shelley
Dillard. I am the propagator, greenhouse manager, victorian fernery manager,
and field nursery manager at Morris Arboretum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
In my position I have had to grow at least one plant of every family in the
known and unknown universe; therefore I am an expert at risk-taking.  At
least half the time I am clueless about how to germinate many species.  Part
of my job is to try as many treatments as I can to see which are most
successful.  I do not use many esoteric methods, since one of my goals is
that these methods could eventually be used by the nursery trade in order to
get plants into the world dominated by impatiens and yews.
        Personally, I am interested in hellebores, cyclamen, conifers,
witchhazels, rhododendrons of the smaller type, maples, thalictrums, tender
perennials, and alchemillas. Pretty much everything; no wonder I love my
job! I also have interests which are not plant related, like science fiction
and music, but those are for another discussion group!
        I am in Zone 6b to 7, depending on some amazing microclimates around
here.
        The most exciting thing going on right now is the rebuilding of my
greenhouses.  I have 1400 sq. ft. of old glass houses which I am going to
tear down and build up brand new.  I am researching all sorts of things
about that with the help of some of my colleages at other institutions who
have recently done this.
        I am a late bloomer.  Although I have always been a gardener, I
never took a formal horticulture course until I was 35.  I just got my B.S.
from Temple University in 1992.  I have been at Morris Arboretum for 10
years.  I teach here and at Longwood Gardens.  My aim is to take all the
mystery out of propagation and that the most important thing to to enjoy the
process.  
        I must admit that this group is one that I eagerly look forward to
hearing from.  So many others wear me out.  I also look forward to sharing
any information I can.
        This is the longest email letter I have ever written!  I MUST like
this group.

Shelley
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