David, I looked at that Ebay sale of black bamboo and suppose it depends on what you're looking for. When I bought a start of black bamboo, I paid about $70 or so for a two or three gallon plant, delivered, from a reputable vendor. This was an entirely reasonable price. The plant arrived in a timely fashion and in great condition. I have no complaints. In contrast, that Ebay vendor you've found is shipping bare rhizomes for considerably less than I paid, but is this plant certain to survive? No, it isn't. As I understand it, black bamboo isn't particularly easy to propagate by rhizome, certainly not by rhizomes dug this time of year. So, as usual, you're paying much less and taking a much bigger chance. The buyer offers your money back within seven days, but you won't even know whether this thing will survive in such a short time frame. For me, not being a gambler, I'd much rather invest wisely in a sure thing.

I'm not in Hawaii (except in spirit!), but I've successfully grown fantastic papayas in Texas just from what popped up on my compost! Why not just go down to an organic food store and buy an organic papaya there? It'll work! Even if it's not organic, hybrids tend to revert back to their older stock-- i.e. they're not "true to type," and will revert back to a heritage variety-- at least with tomatoes, anyway. I think papaya ought to be similar.

I recommend Johnny's Select Seeds. I remember seeing wildflowers and mixes on their website in 1, 2 and 5-pound bags. Not sure what they have available now, but their quality is outstanding.

If you are willing to drive to North Edmond, they have seed potatoes at the local co-op, Conscience Community Coop. I saw them post on fb the other day. Seemed like they had a lot. They are located off of Waterloo Rd.