Hi Lisa,bihai. Yes,'Burning Bush'would be a good choice,as I've seen that name on the plant we're discussing when it was around our area at nurseries a few years ago.The info's.were so much larger than the pic on fcbs is,which is a bit puny. 'Fulgo-Ramosa' is on fcbs,and has nice large infl's.too. There's yet another similar one,Ae.'Red Bird',which has fulgens discolor and an unknown parent. Seems like this was a popular cross,NatDeLeon doing one,and Hummel doing another,and Bullis still another. How about another from Lisa ?? ;) ps: If I recall ok,the whitish berries ripen to a purple color eventually. Bob

If any of you are ever down here in L.A., I urge you to take the time to check out these gardens. Shoot me an email and I'll even give the Joscience tour! ;-) Caudex: I think it is Euphorbia characias. Whatever it is, it has sort of gotten wild at the Huntington and shows up all over the place. I have no idea where it was originally planted, so finding a name plate is hopeless. This particular one is actually growing out of a big Jade hedge! Stan: Thanks for the compliment! The light was very nice yesterday, so the colors really "popped." Ever since you first mentioned it, I too have started paying attention to just how densely planted everything is. I now keep my eyes out for all these hidden little gems, lost between the big, conspicuous plants. I've never seen that Aloe petricola for sale, but it would be a nice contrast to the green A. arborescens that shows up everywhere. Norma: I would absolutely believe it is getting better! Even in the three short years I've been going, you can see changes. They do a terrific job of maintaining the plants in a very natural state. I met John Trager, the curator of the desert conservatory, and really enjoyed that conversation. I would also really like to me Gary Lyons. Think you could help arrange that for me Norma? A different one of those same Euphorbias enjoying the spotlight!

What is the white perennial around the roses there? How long of a bloom period do you get out of it. The name is just escaping me at the moment. I really like how you incorporated the "tropical color" of Marmalade Skies as a soft yet vibrant contrast to the purples, blues, and yellows. Once again, digitalis shows it's merit popping out and adding a lovely amount of color. Have you tried larkspur or liatris spicata in your garden as well?

Alaska. What a beauty, those pictures. And did you use a tripod with your P&S? Mine never came out like that. My P&S is a Panasonic Lumix - a beginner's digital P&S. I had no idea what I wanted. I bought it on a friend's recommendation for a beginner. I can adjust some features but not much. Here's the newest. I still can't get the background clutter out. I am planning to go back to Alaska in summer 2009. That's why I want to improve my photography & close up photos.