i do wonder what native plants are like in the midwest, and what prairie rooftops look like. i am more used to swamp and woodland areas. native to the hudson valley region just north of new york city, the hills and valleys and old mountain ranges are the back drop to my memories. sustainability, eco-awareness, organic or 'eat local' advantages are new terminology, but being from such an overwhelmingly beautiful region, some of these 'new' values have been centered in me for such a long time. there was no other option, corn is only purchased from the farm stands, tomatoes are only delicious in september, onions are harvested in pine island, black dirt region. apples were hand picked from the local orchards. strawberries too, when i was younger, jammed, canned (i just found those old ball jars last weekend). deer will always eat your plants, as well as the rabbit (dont fight it, grow what they dont like-hence me never know that hostas had long stalks and light purplish flowers). im trying to quickly remember all the things i am so used to doing, alas, i dont think you can just spontaneously remember them. they are simply apart of who you are (and not to say change is not possible). i admit, i didnt grow up in a suburban neighborhood; i grew up in the woods. and there were times when i was young that i hated that notion. there was no lawn in the front of the house. Suburban, commonly referred to as 'American', ideals regarding homes allude me; it does interest me, similar to how foreign countries interest me.