Yeah Pam.....I have to agree with Token. Try feeding squirrels. The bird seed is ALREADY attracting them so thats a given. So feed then something more accessible. Preferably away from the birds, but mine is right nearby, since my space is limited. I'd stopped (feeding them specifically) and definitely notice a difference. 'We' (and I say 'we' cuz he's passed away and now it's all up to ME) didnt deliberately feed the squirrels separately at first, knowing no better. Originally put up our first "home-made feeder up that was too accessible for them a couple years ago. So my guy bought another better made BIRD feeder which we called the "bird condo" not because it was for housing, but because it looked like a stacked condo. Every bird loved it. Even doves who dont typically eat from hanging feeder learned how to use it. We got a lot of joy out of it (until the plastic rotted and it was time to lay it to rest). But since we left the ORIGNAL old wooden home-made one still there, and easily accessible for Mr. Squirrel, my guy just kept filling it with cheap cracked corn feed and Mr. Squirrel just kept to himself, happy as a clam, and never bothered the bird feeders. Gotta say, this was LAST year when the 'condo' was still up in the SIDE yard, by the "squirrel" tree. & "old" squirrel (sp?) feeder. Now, the plastic rotted good feeder (the "condo" feeder) is gone ...:o) No more "BIRD CONDO" -- so no seed on the side of the house, where the squirrel tree is. It did have a cover over it for rain and such like a little house. In fact, he'd take 'shelter' under it during a rain - so that may be a thought when/if you designate one JUST for them. He seemed to like that he could 'huddle' under the 'roof' and stay dry (it WAS big enough for that). I guess its one of those things like "if you cant beat them - join them" sort of things. In my case, I really didnt have but two or three squirrels visiting. And then eventually, they coupled off and mated. So I can't speak for more rural areas with tons of squirrels. Just agreeing with Token that if you give them what THEY like, they WILL stay away from feeders. bonnie

Hi Caroline: Cannas, although tropical plants which we grow as annuals here are perfect candidates for winter sowing and the earlier the better. I put my containers out yesterday which is a bit late. I usually put them out during January. Ianna is correct about them growing in warm climates, but the seed coats are very hard, and the freezing and thawing cycles we have in our winters softens the seed coat and they sprout in the spring. Winter sowing precludes the need for soaking or nicking the seeds which is needed for indoor or spring growing. They will bloom in the same year, but of course will not survive the winter. I have been doing this for at least six years and once I found out it worked I don't save tubers anymore. Germination here is late April.

I'm off to the office- we open for half day on Saturdays, so I will be posting the list around noon for the runner-ups! Any last minute suggestions will be considered. I am having a hard time getting it down to 10 selections, and my hubby just added his own suggestions last night! When I post the list, I'm asking you to choose the top three you like, 1-2-3, , and email me your choices. And yes, you can vote for your own suggestion if they make the list!! LOL!! So, if you get a chance, check back after noon today, and vote! Thanks for all the help with choosing a name for this seedling!! Brenda

Usually plant tags have generic information on them. The plant zone rating is usually listed for WINTER LOWS and has nothing to do with Summer temps. Unfortunately many conifers can handle the winter lows in the Mid-West and NE but once the humid, hot Summers set in, they die. The growth rate associated with most plants is their estimate for 10 years of growth from a 1 year plant. if your 'Thunderhead' specimen is about 4' tall and 2' wide, it will probably grow to about 8'x5' in 10 years and then another 4-6" of new growth, mostly upwards into the future. Eventually it will get BIG but there are plenty of years to enjoy it and figure out what to do when it gets there. The difference is people place a Colorado Blue Spruce in your new spot and in a decade, suddenly it's 20 feet tall and pushing 10 feet wide and they don't know what to do. Goodluck Rose and drop by here anytime and frequently! -Will