Faye, this house plant forum has 2 sections. One is for house plant discussions, the other is for any other kind of discussion. You inadvertently asked your question in the conversations section. The section with plant discussions is much more lively. Lovely Billbergia!! Removing the drip saucer when watering can mean the difference between life and death for plants. When it's finished dripping, sit it back on the saucer. Then you can water thoroughly when dry, without risking rotting roots from the water caught in the tray. Bill would probably love to hang in the shade with the Hostas for the summer, the more humid, the better. (I'd put the saucer in a shed or garage until he comes back inside.) -Tiffany

Deciduous rhododendron. It's just finished blooming - you can see the long slender wiry part of the flower (pistol) leading down to a wider green part where seeds will develop (ovary) and form a seed capsule. Many have lovely autumn leaf color as well.

That would be Consolida

Yup, one of my favorite free hitch hikers. I've dug up dozens that self seeded and put them around my beds. they're one of the earliest bloomers in Feb. here in 9a/b. Some of mine this year are very dark violet instead of the more common medium blue. They're also pretty drought resistant and seem to love my lousy, sandy soil. they should be used more, IMO.