sent you email.

Scratch the burgundy ficus - I just found a scale disk on it (it's new) - won't share anything from that one for quite some time. :) Jude

Toni, Yes, what is more fun than plant shopping? Yes we had a very good time. I assume the Hoop House in NH may be heated? Not sure. They had both colors but we went for the Green Oxalis with the white flowers. The Hibiscus is for me...lol My friend can do the basics so I am trying to make it as easy as possible. I will be able to check on them, especially until he gets the hang of it. As for the help at Home Depot not knowing the info on the plants that are offered, it is so surprising. It’s not like they have to be horticulturists or have such a large variety of plant material. Plus there seem to me to be so many amateur gardeners that are actually shoppers there, you’d think they would try to hire someone like that to have some basic knowledge. It would make it more profitable for them, I would think. Well, we have four HD locally that I have visited, and one of three is better than the others. One is like the one you described. Marquest, yes, I was reminded in the HD that my friend had expressed a liking for Burro’s Tail at one point and they were small inexpensive plants. The Aloe was too cute to pass up and small. I think succulents are just the easiest, to take care of, so I really encouraged him to try a couple of small ones. Thanks for the warning on the Oxalis. It could go home for a few weeks break if need be. Mike, someone on GW recommended Lake Street to me about 3 years ago and I like their perennials, shrubs and selection of annuals. It’s about a 40 minute drive for me and closer than Logee’s in CT. I bought a very pretty variegated Jade Plant there last summer, while shopping for perennials for the garden. I was not sure houseplants were in ready supply, but they had some healthy selections and that is my #1 priority. I would go back. I have noticed they offer classes, although I haven’t found the time to do that. I haven’t been to the Chelmsford Mahoney’s. I see Weston Nurseries has a new location in Chelmsford, too. I got out that way once last summer. Here is the 'Lime Bearss Seedless'..... I'm sure you are right, Toni, that a grafted tree is the best way to go, but this is just an experiment really, to determine if my friend can provide the care. If it goes well, we would probably really enjoy getting a larger grafted plant. And you have me curious about the grafted plants that might be available. Very mysterious...(g)

Oh my gosh I didn't think I'd get this many responses so quickly! Her room is a south west facing window, but she has big wooden blinds and a sheer curtain over the window so the room is always bright, but not from direct sun. We live in southern Pennsylvania so it's going to start to get cold here pretty soon (I've started moving all the plants away from any sort of draft). I really like almost all of the ones you guys suggested! I was pleasantly surprised that you all found so many nice looking plants in the size I was looking for. I was afraid of suggesting any sort of tree to her for fear it would get too big. The Rubber Tree and Dracaena species look great, I think she'll like those. The parlor palm is nice too, very short and leafy. Thanks for the suggestions! I appreciate it :)