Good evening! My name is Kevin and I was highly encouraged to seek out NARGS and join, by a good friend in Michigan and one of the most knowledgeable people I know in the field of horticulture. (Yep, that pun was intended, 
)
He is credited with infecting me with this 'bug', and instilling in me a fascination and desire for plants that are far more obscure than the hum-drum, run-of-the-mill plants that you see growing in peoples properties. Whether he recognizes it or not, I view him as my mentor in this glorious botanical realm.
I can only echo the sentiments he shared with me recently. In his words, "I shrink from the application of the root word 'garden' and any of its manifestations, most especially 'gardener', as they imply a measure of order and aesthetics I cannot rightly claim."
I currently reside in Mount Airy, NC on a small ΒΌ acre city lot; and approximately 6 or 7 years began to attempt to convert my backyard into my version of a lush haven of serenity. So far, I feel I have succeeded in creating a permanent landscaping construction zone that will not ever fulfill the ever-changing vision in my mind.
The last couple of years had deceived me into believing that I was finally beginning to find some of those plants that my friend would find truly exciting in their obscurity. LOL! I was provided with a wondrous lesson in how I have yet to go this past week, when I was granted a more in-depth tour of his collection than I had seen many years ago.
Please bear with me as I strive to learn from all of you plant aficionados here at NARGS. I am looking forward to what this part of the journey holds in store.
Best Regards,
Kevin