Smoochas - if you will put your plants outside, expose them to sun gradually. A shady spot first for 5-7 days, then somewhere that gets morning or late afternoon sun for another 5-7 days, and finally give them more sun after that. Also, keep them dry and protected from rain for the first 10-14 days. Many succulents slow down during the heat of the summer, especially those from S Africa. They lose some color, while growth is slow or non-existent. If you use a very porous soil mix, it is safe to leave a healthy plant out in the rain during the heat. But a weak plant or a soil mix that retains some moisture warrants protection from excess rain. What is too much rain? To me, 2 consecutive days of real rain - not thunderstorms. A sprinkle or shower is generally harmless. The pot dries out quickly when the sun comes back out. Some plants are more sensitive than others, which you will figure out with time. As for the winter, I keep most of my plants cold, dry and dark for months at a time. They do not grow. The sunroom you describe seems pretty good. As long as light is adequate I have no problems with winter growth. If light is poor, growth is weak. Try it out and see how it goes. Keep the plants drier than you would during warmer and sunnier spring or fall conditions. The goal for my plants is to stop growth in the winter because I cannot possibly provide enough light for most of my collection - so instead I keep them in suspended animation. Spring and fall seem to show the best growth for most plants, outdoors in the NY area: April-May-June, and Sept-Oct. July-August growth tends to be slower but not always so. x

I just received the most WONDERFUL box from Miss Sue! It was so big, it took 2 kids to carry it. :) And MERCY, I just about fell out of my chair when I saw how much it cost to mail! Prices are getting ridiculous!! I tried to keep track of everything as I unwrapped them, but I had 4 little helpers (the girls helped me...the boys couldn't have cared less- they know they're going to be recruited to help plant later on! LoL!) so I didn't get everything written down. But everything looks great, nothing is wilted! Which was SO surprising, considering the heat! I know there were 2 mini roses, red & blue salvia, many daylilies, 6 succulents, dianthus, lantana, rosemary & lavender. The rosemary & lavender made the box smell SOOOO good! If I've forgotten to mention anything, please forgive me! Thank you SO MUCH, Miss Sue! You outdid yourself with a WONDERFUL box, and I absolutely LOVE everything!

Tracy-What's this about blowing up Alana's garden??? Were you a bad girl? Lisa-Great list of Heucheras! I read a terrific article a few months ago about the different species of Heucheras. If I can find the magazine I'll post some of the info. There was a lot of information that I really didn't know. Shirley, Denise and Carmen-So glad you'll be joining us. I missed the Customer Appreciation Day at Well-Sweep Herb Farm. It rained all day on Saturday. Was hoping to pick up a few plants at 20% off. Some of my plants will probably be on the small side for this swap. As some of you know I've had a terrible spring and summer as far as the weather goes. That's why I haven't be doing much trading lately. Sassy-Yes please lurk! I miss you too sweetie. I've never participated in a White Elephant swap so I'm really looking forward to this one. Have a great day everyone Mariann

Colocasia don't have bulbs, they have tubers. Some will produce offsets on the tubers, others send out runners. The flowers are tiny but what many people mistake for a flower is the spathe surrounding the flowers. The plant is variable and people over time have bred many varieties with all sorts of names attached to them. Vendors often just grab at whatever name they feel suits so you're never really sure what you're getting, unless the plant is already larger. I have a "Black Magic" which doesn't put out runners. But that doesn't matter, it just looks nice.