"Those outdoors die back in winter, but I'm wondering, if they're kept in a warm house, will they stay green during winter months? Do you know if they're deciduous/evergreen in warmer climates?" I was going to overwinter it this year but it stayed out in direct sun too long, turned sort of... orange and got a bit dry and while it had fronds, it looked terrible so I figured I'd just let it die back. One think I'm wondering is if they're overwintered, or kept potbound enough, if "trunk" formation will speed up/be induced more. I'm thinking if the plants can't spread out, they'll try growing upwards more. No ideas. As I said, though, I have more than enough of these so if I kill one, I'm probably going to be hacking a bunch out of the ground anyway, so I'll just pot those. They don't like being dry though, I've noticed. We had a draught last year in Ohio, and lots of heat, so the ones outside died back massively, and the potted one needed to pretty much be in standing water to prevent it from throwing a fit. Then chipmunks bit through some of the fronds (and ate my tulips). Anyway, I'm thinking cooler indoor temps and a lack of... predatory species might help out if growing them indoors -- on the other hand, humidity is a real concern. But, I'm gonna say this is for science and go ahead with it.

Hi, Great deals!! There's no winter here in southern California, so am snow impaired, but whatever I leave outside gets primed and painted with exterior paint products, the same you would paint your house with. You may have left over house paint. If not, it's cheap in the oops paint section at hardware stores. There are also solid color stains and other outdoor products. I used oil base spar varnish on a bench just last year and it hasn't held up well at all. Also, attach some sort of 'feet' to the item, so it doesn't sit in water. It can be furniture legs, drawer pulls, pieces of old tires, or prop it up on bricks. Tip the stairs slightly forward, so water can't gather on the tops. Hope that helps, Linda

I'm thinking plant stand. Paint it white, green or pink, and hang teardrop crystals from it. don't know why it just speaks to me that way.

Marylee, he is pretty neat, huh? I know I got her a big one last year too, but can't quite remember what he looked like--but I know she loved it! Punk, I just had to look to see when Mother's Day is! I usually get a little something for my DIL since she's the mother of my special little joy of a granddaughter--so I need to go shopping too! Jeanne and Candy, you two are so funny with all your "poultry puns". Love it! LOL Nana, no problem, I do that sometimes too. Jane and Kathleen, I can hardly wait to give him to her. She is such a good neighbor, so kind to my DH and always keeps candy on hand for when he comes over--she's deserves a really neat surprise! And yes, I'm glad he's the "silent type" and won't wake her! LOL Frou, what a sweet thing to say. I sure know I am truly blessed with such good neighbors, they have all given such great support to DH and me these last several months while we've dealt with adjusting to DH's diagnosis. I have the rooster hidden away in my shed behind a panel of wood--let's just hope I remember that in October! LOL Luvs