Nice haul, Frank! It looks like someone got hungry and decided to gnaw on Sydney, which is strange... I was under the impression that nothing bothered with Hippeastrum bulbs, except insects. As long as that hole doesn't go all the way through to the interior, I think you're safe. I would invest in some Captan, if you haven't already, and give that bulb a good a coat of the powder before potting. I'd also plant it a lot less shallow, keeping the damaged parts above soil level so they can heal without rotting. Gosh... everyone else is so lucky... the only stores in our area that carry bulbs have the same varieties as last year... it would be nice to have a Smith & Hawkin or other gardening based stores within reach! Good luck with your new babies!

Hi Beth. Welcome! I use Fish Emulsion as soon as I can get my plants outside as a preventative on any possible sucking insect and it works for me. I spray with it at least once a month now and more so before I bring them in for the winter. I have no pest issues with the trees I treat except for mites after a long period indoors if the winter is extremely dry and cold, which it has been. Too, I forget to treat a plant or two before bringing them in such as my Olive Tree because I left it out way beyond my other plants and it will get attacked by mites which can spread to surrounding plants. At least every other pest that seems to attack many others trees such as Mealy, Thrips, and Scale are not a problem at all and I thank the Fish Emulsion for this. Now that I can't spray with F.E in my home, I have to watch for mites at least since especially towards the end of winter. Now I have been using Rosemary Oil because they are indoors, and the stuff smells good too and it has done wonders for my trees. Not a one mite damaged leaf to be found after a month on any of my plants and just because I don't seem to have a problem anymore, I'll treat again once a month until I can stick them outside again to be safe. Then once outside, I'll start using Fish Emulsion again. :-) Mike

I think they are something other than tin, they are pretty heavy, I just used 4 big screws one in each corner, an tried to be sure to find a stud or 2, I have 3 different windows hung up throughout the house, all hung the same way, and they have all been ok,,,

jel48, you're very welcome. I don't post much on KT--usually just pop in to check the 'show me yours' threads. I searched for your other thread with the devastating news. I'm so sorry. We lost an infant son to a congenital defect 24 years ago, and went on to have another baby--a healthy girl. I'm a grandmother now (from our elder daughter), so I know the pain both you, and the young parents, are feeling. Please accept my sympathy and prayers.