I'm feeling similarly. I've got beautiful milkweed plants all around my garden without a single bite taken out of any of them. I've not kept records in the past, because it's taken me a few years to develop my garden to the point I'd expect it to support any number of butterflies (Monarchs, particularly). So, I don't know if it's still too early for me to expect much. I'm also a little bit afraid my yard is too sheltered by surrounding trees for the butterflies to find it easily. I did get to raise several Monarchs last year, but they were cats I found at other locations. I just brought them home and fed them my milkweed. Two weeks ago I think I saw a Monarch and a Tiger Swallowtail fly through my neighbors backyard, but high up in the trees. They didn't drop down to nectar or lay eggs (that I saw). I guess I'll just keep hoping. I did get a chance to start a new butterfly garden in a friends' yard and it's out in the open. Hopefully the BFs will find that one. I just don't get much time to spend there watching for them.

Thanks Herman I removed a few like I said the weather here has been wicked hot 90's and humid the feel like temp will hit 105 today just terrible. I will not remove anymore figs. It is growing well and looks healthy other than dropping fruit, leaves are a nice green no sun burn showing as of now. It will stay in the container it was potted up from 5 to20 gal container in March so I doubt there are that many roots on side of container. It is placed where it gets the least amount of direct sun as compared to my others as it is shaded a bit from my house about 6 hrs of full direct sun and 6 hrs of partial sun. It is the only one which has dropped fruit so far. It was the last to set fruit other than my yellow unknown. It will be left alone with just my normal MG every 12-16 days. Thanks for all your insight It is greatly appreciated coming from you. I will follow your advise. Thanks Again Sal

YELLOW, The patio is AWESOME! Are you planning to cover the entire surface or just the "path"? We, too, have a lot of leftover floor tiles and this would be a FAB way to use them. Are you a Texas girl? I'm only asking because our local contractor said we should use porcelain tiles on our patio because of our weather. I don't wanna (too difficult to cut). Love your blue star!

I haven't posted here before, but I would love to comment on the 'shade issue' for roses.I live on the mid north coast of NSW and the way my roses perform varies incredibly from what the descriptions often offer. I am guessing because of the climate difference from where they originate (generally VIC or SA). I have a new crepescule which has only been planted 6 months, getting approx 5 hours of sun and it has taken off. blooming non stop since Sept. I have a new Munstead Wood ( 4 hours), supposedly only 1 metre x 80cm which has also been blooming non stop and is now over 1.5 metres high ! Veyrat Hermanos (5 hours), first season has gone wild. Mayor of Casterbridge (4 hours), sold as a small-medium climber is now 4 x 4 metres and nearly overtaking the neighbouring bouganvillea. Current disappointments include Souvenir de Mme Bullet ( 9 hours), climbing Black Boy ( 6 hours), William Christie and so far Variegata di Bologna (8 hours. I think some roses in our hot humid climate wish for more shade than those grown in cooler areas.