I have been reading your posts with interest, as I have a boysenberry patch that is just coming into maturity. As of now, I have them draping themselves over some concrete reinforcing wire in a circular pattern. The vines are coming up through the openings and there is significant space to allow for air movement underneath. Actually, while not a convenient system for picking, it seems to be working fairly well for the plants/vines overall developement. This summer, however, there is a significant number of large thick vines developing, which someone in these forums described as "growing up" but apparently these are the developing vines for next year's growth - but significantly thicker, more thorny and longer than any previous growth. At first, I thought of sucker growth, but on inspection of the pictures posted above, these are apprently natural next year's growth. So - I appreciated seeing the nice trellis work. I would like to utilize some timber bamboo that grows in my yard - and to date, other than use as compost and bean poles, is not utilized for anything else. I'm wondering if this bamboo can be set into concrete as - say 2 x 4 wood, or is it not suitable for this type of construction. I've searched for bamboo construction - but there seems to be a lack of stability on ground contact as far as strength is concerned. Anyway, I appreciated seeing the pics of the trellis that larry_t posted, and it has cleared up questions about my own overgrowth of vine structure, and perhaps how to treat in the future. By the way, I had a bumber crop of boysenberries, best ever. Thanks for nice postings. Bejay

Thanks for the excellent advice everyone. I had read somewhere about the seed mother being the the most likely parent to pass on the variegation, and was hoping to have the newer variegated plant be the "mother". But you mention the time it takes for seed to ripen and I realize that means a few things. It will likely be late winter or early spring before i have seed, if it is viable. And thats only if I disbud, and then only if both plants will flower at the same time, and thats if I like the flower type of my first plant. And of course the cross has to take and survive until maturity. And so on. So I think I have decided to make myself a drink (thankfully not on call tonight), maybe play some Marvin Gaye, and attempt to facilitate a little self-pollination in my newer plant. Just kidding. I suppose, given the timescales involved, if I am successful by this time next year I may be waiting on seeds from offspring crosses from that plant. Perhaps. I'm far too new to this to begin trying to create a certain type of plant in my opinion. That might lead to frustration. Instead I'd rather make a cross and see what interesting things pop up and then meddle with genetics from there. That being said, maybe it is better to purchase some seeds and do some learning on seeds and seedlings that i have not invested what will amount to a great deal of time and possibly emotion. I have really only seen plants for sale and only a few mentions of seeds for sale. Can anyone recommend a reputable place or internet site to buy some seeds? Thanks, I know this is now far off topic from the first post and I appreciate the time you have all taken to help me. Kerry

Gosh so much information to digest at one time. I've got several of the single Brugs ya'll mentioned for postage. I even tried to buy some doubles or triples on ebay. I can see this Brug and Dat thing can get out of hand real quick can't it? It has been one month and one day since I saw my very first Brugmansia and I now have 10 named singles and a whole bunch of NOID singles. LOL I am going to get all the barn sweepings out this winter and work them into the areas I will be planting these little Brug jewels all over the place. I'm fairly sure they will love it here and I have plenty of room for them. I've been working on turning this place into my own little tropical paradise. I think 35 acres is enough room to raise as many different kinds as I can get my hands on. I too have a bunch of Banana Trees and other tropical plants. I'm still looking for someone to trade something for and get a Pink Banana tree. What do you professional growers use to provide heat underneath the cuttings? Could I use an electric heating pad with a large glass cake pan setting on top of it for the double and triple cuttings should I come up with some? If not please tell me something that your common home gardener could use for heat on the bottom. I know if I tried the heating pad I couldn't get it wet. I don't think that would be a problem. Please give me some other advice and suggestions. I would be heartbroken if I killed one of them babies. This is a good thread. Happy Gardening Marian

i have planted about 750 trees.. and conifers on my 5 acres ... on glacial sand ... [lots of minis and dwarfs] AND NEVER FERT'D A SINGLE ONE ... PLEASE STOP FERTG THIS TREE .. very frankly .. your tree looks GREAT ... i never presume mother nature allows a perfect specimen ... and i would not waste time .. money.. nor exposure on treating for this rather minor blemish .. there is no way that little damage is in any way .. effecting those leaves ability to process sunshine and feed the tree [which is another reason it doesnt need fert] bottom line.. its a tree .. treat it as such.. it is not a child.. that needs feeding.. pampering.. etc .. and BTW ... if you fert the lawn.. this tree will get whatever it needs from that ... no need to double or triple up ... enjoy your tree.. dont fixate on it ... ken ps: my theory is.. the pix are sideways.. because you turned your gizmo to portrait pix ... to take pix of the tall tree ...