[kde-linux] different desktop wallpapers

[Erbureth]

Hello,
 
> is there a workaround?  (i've seen postings implying "activities" 
> are an approximation, but it seems every activity posting is one 
> about how obtuse and unpredictable they are)

Actually, the activities are the workaround you are looking for.
If you zoom out the plasma and click "Plasma settings", you
will see the "Use separate activities for each desktop" (or so)
option, so you can use different Plasmoids layout for each
desktop, including different wallpapers.

Hope that helps

Erbureth