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[SHADEGARDENS] Bio

Greetings from Bellevue WA  (just east of  Seattle)!

 My interest and experience in gardening began 9 years ago (when the
nest emptied) and I've been pedalling hard to catch up ever since.  To
learn about a plant you have to grow it, yes?  Well, luckily we have
almost an acre plus some dry (mixed) woods next to us (which I'd like
to embellish also), so I've learned  - and forgotten - quite a bit.
Trouble is, they keep inventing new plants!  Not complaining.

 I'm partial to flowering shrubs and interesting trees.  Their shade,
 the nearby woods and the hill Southeast of us which limit much of my
full sun to the high summer months are the main reasons I want
interesting shade perennials.

 The time has come to try to combine plant collecting with artistic
placement!  Feel free to  share all your favorite combinations....I
can use all the help I can get....

 Dare I mention in this group that I'm not a Hosta-holic?  Having said
that, I'll admit owning some fabulous hostas.  Old favorites are that
for a reason I guess: ' Krossa Regal', plantaginea, sieboldiana, even
the old variegated edged and its counterpart with the variegated
centers.  Then there's  a small gold-leaved variety and last but not
least 'Sum and Substance'.  Oops, I forgot 'Patriot'.

 If you connoiseurs could choose the _very best_  5 (or 8?)  hostas,
which would you recommend?

 Some of my shade or part-shade favorites:  Hellebores, dicentras,
willow gentians,        cardiocrinum giganteum, corydalis, erythroniums,
trilliums, sanguinaria, primulas of course!, geraniums, tricyrtus,
aruncus,  polygonatums, uvularias, soldanellas, epimediums, aconitums,
artemesia lactiflora (!), paris, if it ever grows, and pretty much
anything variegated.  I'd like to learn about terestial orchids too.
Advice anyone?

 Nice meeting you all, and special thanks to Sherryl and Diana for all
their work!

Marian Raitz  mraitz@accessone.com
Bellevue WA  Zone 8
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