50/50 is a no go for me... been there done that. I don't order from anyone that doesn't have at least a 95% positive feedback rating. ConiferKingdom has Picea pungens 'Hoopsii' that are larger, they were originally $100 and are on sale for $60. These are 4-5' tall... if you spend $100 you get a free gift. I received my first couple orders from them this fall and couldn't be happier. WesternEvergreen.com has them in the one gallon size that are much smaller for $14 for one or $8 per if you order 5 or more. They have great reviews here on Gardenweb. My first order from them is due in this Friday. One of my plants is Picea pungens 'Hoopsii'. I'll gladly post the picture of this so you can see the size/quality.

etexlady - I found this plant at Lowe's last fall about bloom time. I have it planted in part shade. It is growing fine - we'll see how the really hot weather affects it, but I have noticed the leaves are getting mottled - like little pin pricks all over them - must be some type of stinging insect or something. Since it hasn't bloomed yet this year can't say whether the bees are attracted to it. I didn't notice bees on it last fall when I planted it. If it does well this year, it's going to replace my shasta daisies for which Montauk is a parent. I love the shasta bloom, but they just don't bloom long enough, and the blooms always fall over in my garden.

There selling a bunch of dead seeds! IT'S NOT YOU IT'S THE SEEDS! I bought GIANT ATLANTIC PUMPKIN Seeds from them on Ebay but they were not GIANT ATLANTIC PUMPKIN Seeds. Any one who has grown them know what they look like very large thick seeds. This guy even has a picture on the ebay listing showing a good picture of the seeds. The ones he sent me look like the pumpkin seeds you buy to eat no what he showed on his listing. Small and normal small in size. I saved my seeds from last years plants, but they did not germinate so I bought some from these guys on ebay. Rob's Rare and Giant Seeds say if your not satisfied let them know with in 7 days. I let them know I was not happy and asked if he wanted me to return the seeds. No reply from them. I went to Ebay and launched a complaint. Rob's Rare and Giant Seeds did not respond to me or ebay so they gave me a refund. As the other person stated "most of the other feedback I have seen is neutral to negative except on ebay which most ebayers leave immediate feedback and not feedback after growing." Lots of people complaining of no germination of the seeds! SO buyer beware..I was only out $3 but I did not get my Giant Pumpkins in the ground this year and it really makes me mad to see some one taking advantage of good people by selling pipe dreams not good seeds! From what I have seen of other reviews the seeds do not sprout! Do your self a faver and look at other reviews! Thanks

I put everything from the vegetable kingdom in the compost bucket, including wet paper towels occasionally. Since I cook all things fresh the peels, ends, etc. adds up to quite a lot. Covering with a pot is a good idea. Sometimes I cover the area with a large pot saucer. I've done tea bags and just tear open one end not being sure what the bags are made of. I think they decompose as I've never found any remains when digging. I have a compost pile that I put all the plant trimmings in. I used to turn it, water it, fertilize it, etc. but that's work so now I just let it set. It goes down by about a third with each hard rain. After about 3 or 4 years I pull the stuff out from the bottom which has turned to 'black gold'. Still trying to think of something 'unique' that I do. I've mentioned the crushed ice in the king size pillow slip around my neck on a hot day.. Has anybody else tried it? It sure helps keep me going when I want to get a project done instead of waiting for morning. Also have mentioned opening a Vit/ E capsule and putting the contents on my face if I feel that it's gotten too much sun. Amazingly it takes the heat and burning feeling away. Wearing a hat and sun screen to prevent is better, but there are those few times when I don't.