That is a nice sized 'The Blues'. I got one last year, but it's only about 12" tall, but pushing some beautiful new growth this year. I'm sure that one was a large chunk of your budget, I know what I paid for my little one last fall. Not trying to hijack the thread here, but I have a question regarding the Whipcord. I have seen several discussions that have said that the Thuja plicata 'Whipcord' and the Thuja orientalis 'Filiformis' are the same plant. Is there any truth to this? If memory serves me correct, the Whipcord was found in a bed of Thuja plicata seedlings, so it was naturally assumed (most likely incorrectly) to be one, or am I off my rocker? I am growing the 'Filiformis' and agree that it looks identical (or at least very very very similar) to the 'whipcord' pictures I have seen. Tish, even if they aren't the same they are darn close. I got mine last year and only paid about $10 from evergreen nursery plus shipping for a very nice sized plant. And Ken is correct, the itch will come back like a bad case of poison ivy, and eventually you won't be able stop scratching! Eliot

Hi all, I read this thread with interest; I have an itch after watering the tomato plants in my greenhouse. I get an itching feeling like hundreds of thunder flies are on my skin and this does not seem to matter whether I touch the plants or not. I have tried with various magnifying glasses to locate what definitely feel like microscopic bugs on my skin but have never found anything. It only seems to affect the exposed parts of my body i.e. arms, legs head etc never get a feeling under clothes socks trousers shirt etc.... thats why I had the ides that it actually was a tiny bug of some sort - never get anything like it outside the greenhouse or in other parts of the garden - the greenhouse for most part is closed off and a relatively separate atmosphere which (again my thoughts) could be an environment where something either flies or microscopic parasites could thrive. Some of the comments on here also make sense - an allergy to something in the plants maybe a component that is in the air in enough quantity due to the closed environment such that it can "land" on my exposed skin?? Tomatoes do have a rather pungent aroma on a hot day in a greenhouse. Although I am not really affected by this nor am I concerned that it is a major health issue I would appreciate any further thoughts.

The itch mites fall out of oak trees. They normally feed on larvae of a fly which is found in the trees. You do not see them on your clothes and don't know you have been bitten until 10-16 hours later. They were documented in 2004 in states west of my location (IL) . I have been in contact with entomolgists at the University of Illinois. They tell me it is a new thing in our area but they will be here until the first frost. So much for me enjoying my woods and pond!

My guess is if it isn't re-blooming it is not Darlows Enigma. There are a couple of roses that have flowers like DE. I like High Country Gardens but have received incorrect varieties from them. I eventually stopped ordering from them for this reason. Last year I had to order again they were the only ones that listed Prairie Sunrise. They sent Golden Celebration. Julie - My latest photo today of Crazy LoveThis is it first year so no real information. She has been healthy in year one.