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[foo25amc]

Hello all,

I'm an amateur in this world, but keen to learn more and acquire some new skills (and plants), and it seems like this might just be the place to do so!

My background is in Biomedical Engineering, in which I hold a PhD and work as both a researcher and lecturer. I've always had a bit of an interest in gardening and spent some time working at a local garden centre as a teenager. For many years I did not have access to a garden, but thankfully that has changed, and I've been keen to make the most of it. I also find gardening, as well as plant and mushroom identification incredibly rewarding and therapeutic.

Whilst I've largely been growing vegetables including potatoes, tomatoes, chillies, carrots, chard, spinach and various herbs, as well redcurrants and figs, I've been interested in so-called 'magic' plants for years, and have finally taken the plunge and decided to explore these. I should add that this is not for the purposes of ingestion, but rather to enjoy the process of growing the plants, appreciating the flowers, microscopy studies, and learning more about the pharmacological nature of these species.

I recently completed my first plant transaction with a fellow member, SallysMintGarden (whom I'd highly recommend), for some beautiful Coleus (pic attached). I have also acquired some various seeds, spores and cacti, most of which I've listed below -

Aloe perfoliata
Datura metel
Digitalis purpurea
Echinopsis pachanoi
Ipomoea tricolor
Lophophora williamsii
Nicotiana glutinosa
Papaver somniferum laciniatum
Psilocybe cubensis ([Spores for microscopy] Albino A+, B+, PESH)
Scabiosa stellata

I look forward to being part of your community, trading in the future, and expanding my collection. Thanks for having me!

PS. Like a few other members, I cannot seem to get past the Alma Mater of Richard Evans Schultes security question, regardless of format, capitalisation, etc.

1 Like Pollinator likes this.

[foo25amc]

Thanks! I did find STS mentioned on Reddit earlier this morning indeed. I also read about your rather disappointing temporary ban. Definitely unfortunate, and no doubt frustrating, but this immediately seems like a better platform. I find Reddit great for pretty pictures, but I get the feeling this will be a better source of information.

Most of what I've listed is currently germinating, but all appears to be progressing well (apart from the Datura, but I believe it can take a few weeks). I've just received 75 plant pots in the post, so I'm definitely interesting in filling them! I'd be really grateful to hear what you have to offer. I know you had a list on Reddit, but I think this may have since been removed.

[foo25amc]

Indeed, and the mention of people getting banned for trading cards is outrageous! Ah well, onwards and upwards. Reddit seems be in steady decline, lots of old subs gone and more coming dangerously close.

I look forward to receiving your generous offer

1 Like Pollinator likes this.

[Mangrove]

Welcome to STS! Are you a Catholic or a Protestant?

[foo25amc]

Thank you

That's something I haven't been asked for a long time! One of my parents was raised Catholic, whilst the other was raised Protestant. I however do not align with either (or any) religion personally.

Thankfully, I'd say the majority of people living here no longer care which you've been raised, however sectarianism is still rife in parts of Belfast and Derry/Londonderry (depending or your affiliation) unfortunately. Religiously motivated violence is also much lower these days, with scenes of flags burning on bonfires and other disrespectful behaviour typically being the worst of it. There are still some instances of attacks directed towards Police however, which you may see reported by British news outlets from time-to-time.

Things are improving, but still largely hindered by religiously biased political parties who simply seems to enjoy preventing progress because the other side is in favour of something. Very petty!

1 Like Mangrove likes this.