Even in places where they thrive it is good practice to cut them back hard in spring every few years. They are very ugly twiggy bushes and look much better with regular rejuvenation pruning. It might be useful when trying to keep them happy to think about where they come from. Their natural habitat is in China where they grow in forest clearings, riverbanks and limestone outcrops. So they prefer lean, fast draining soil but with plenty of moisture at the root. They are a woody weed here and are particularly prevalent along railway tracks (they like the ballast), quarries, urban wasteland and disturbed areas. I agree with Ken about the butterflies. Although Buddleja attracts adults to the nectar they are not a food plant for butterfly larvae and so they do not provide a good all round butterfly habitat.

There are many possible reasons why the 9 cats disappeared. Several or all of them may have died as hatchlings - when a cat dies naturally, it'll usually happen when it's a hatchling or a very early instar caterpillar. Ideal temperatures for caterpillars are higher than the 70's, so the lethargy of your cats could be from that or, more likely, the low humidity. Air conditioning and heating both lower the humidity in your house to a level that is bad for cats, at least our southeastern ones, who are adapted to high humidity. I've never had much success rearing mine in the house in what I thought were perfect conditions, so mine stay on the porch in a sheltered situation with ceiling fans blowing if needed, no direct sunshine, but with all the natural heat and humidity. I read somewhere that eastern big moth cats don't do well in the low humidity out west - it has something to do with their ability to take in air through their spiracles. So I imagine that eastern butterfly cats breathe better in higher humidity, too. Another possible cause is the parsley itself - it wouldn't have insecticides on it, would it? That would be deadly! I raise my cats in butterfly cages - they're made of a simple PVS frame covered with mesh - they have a zipper for easy access. I also use florist's water picks and/or leftovers containers filled with water, with a hole cut in their top just big enough for the host plant material. Good luck! MissSherry

Hi All, It is not that people spend more money on gardening, though some do. It is that there are way more people gardening than any other hobby(it is not a regional thing, people do it all over the US, rich and poor), so take that money collectively and more money is spent. Yesterday, I spent most of my time at the hospitals again. My grandmother is getting better. She had another chest x-ray to make sure the pneumonia is gone. If she is well, she will be transfered to a nursing home to get more rehab so she is stronger to go home. My mother-in-law is still not well. I went last night and she was sleeping again. So I have not had a real conversation with her about what is going on. MMTina, HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope it is a good one, maybe spent wintersowing, lol! I have to go get some potting mix myself today. Shirley, Congrats on winning!! Did you make that cake? : ) Annie, Sorry to hear you are having to do hospital stuff with your family too. Deb, The groundhog sure was off! It is snowing here again. Maryanne, I'm so glad to hear you had a great time! I wish I was going to the flower show with you! Well, I will be going to the Rochester show which is very nice next week, but it is not the same as Philadelphia. Talk to you all later, Remy

As a wedding coordinator I have had couples release doves (actually pigeons) numerous times. Because doves will die once released, white homing pigeons are actually used for the release. The release can be done a couple of ways. You might choose to have only two birds. If you do, at the end of the ceremony, you and your groom will each be handed a dove, which you will release together. If you prefer not to hold the birds, then you might rent a group of birds, ranging from 2 dozen to 70 or 80. At a designated time, someone, often the maid of honor and best man, will open the cage and the birds will fly. It is particularly nice to keep the birds out of sight until the release as a surprise for your guests. To do so, the cages are positioned behind a bush or in another spot behind the guests. The person who brings the birds will choose the spot based on the open space and the direction the birds will fly. A lead bird will rise up and circle to get its bearings, then the flock will follow it. You need to release the birds in an area where they are not confused by trees, tents, gazebos, or other items that would prevent them from quickly ascending into the air. The release lasts only a few seconds, but it can be very dramatic when it occurs if you have a number of birds. If you have only two birds, then it becomes a more romantic moment. The cost of the birds varies by the color and by where you live. In my area, we can rent 2 dozen birds in metal cages for about $75 or we can rent 50 or more birds in wicker baskets for $250, so be sure to check around to find out exactly what you will get.