Yep better bring them in. I have a bunch of bee balm I am trying to figure out what to do with. I thought they were going to big enough to transplant when I got them but they are tiny sprouts so I guess I will leave them like they are until they are bigger. If you feel better come over in the morning and I'll give you a few. Patty is coming in the morning since we messed up with the citrus trees and I ended up with both the orange trees and she got both the lime trees so we have to swap on each, lol. I was going to plant them outside but I think I better wait til it warms up some more since they don't have a big root system yet.

I had a similar problem with an area that was in shade all morning, and then baked in the mid-day sun. I couldn't grow things directly on the block wall fence as the west side was fully exposed to the afternoon sun (I'm on the east side of the wall). What I did was take redwood 4x4 posts and sunk them in the ground spaced ten feet apart. Then across the top, I put more redwood 4x4's so they formed a solid run all the way down the fence line atop the 4x4 posts (connected the whole works with Simpson "T" brackets painted with a hammered copper spray paint). I then found some cast iron corner brackets with a grape motif, painted them copper, and put them up in each corner. I now grow my grape vines up the posts and across the top beam. They fill out to provide enough shade underneath in summer, and since they're deciduous, I get plenty of winter sun. The whole works is actually above the fence line, so it gave me the effect of a taller fence and more privacy when the grape vines are leafed out. And since they grapes aren't actually growing on the block wall fence, they don't bake nearly as badly. I'll try to post some pics after work so you can make sense of it all.

like everyone is saying, fill gas tank in as many cars as you have. If you have a grill make sure you have gas for that too. Make sure to get extra food for animals and for yourself. none parishable(sp) if possible. Get extra water. any patio furniture bring into you garage. any plants you have that you want to keep bring inside. Make sure that all items that are unable to be brought indoors is secured somehow. Make sure that you have plenty of cash in hand. No power means no ATMs. If you have a generator, make sure it is outside before starting it. Have a safe place to go in case there is a tornado. Have all important documents in a water tight bag or container. If you can take pictures or video of your items in your home, so that you know what you have incase you need to provide info to the insurance companies. For example all electronics, furniture, collectables etc... If you like I will post a link to the guide that they give us here in florida. It has info for before and after a storm. Here is a link that might be useful: hurricane get prepared

Jewel-1: Sounds like you're rounding third base and heading for "home plate" on your contractor search..... MIA & ISFA affiliations go a long way in telling me that a guy has integrity, and has a "heart" for "the work"... The fact that you found your guy in Craigslist - in this day and age - IMHO is inconsequential - it tells me that the guy's creative enough to use any and all means at his disposal to find new customers - heck - I put ads on CL too for one of my other businesses (I make a tool that I sell to Fabricators, and advertise it nationally on CL from time to time) Yes - I know - there ARE al ot of "scum bags" that also advertise their "scams" on CL too - but as time goes by - you'll find that more and more honest guys are starting to "get the knack" and use technology to find more customers.... and just because he says he's making his money on install and extra stuff does NOT make him a bad guy - I used to do the same thing.. Here's the deal right now - times are tuff, and guys in the trades have to be competitive - if it means that he has to charge LESS in order to stay in business - GOD BLESS HIM! He's doing whatever it takes to keep going, and hopefully - he's still making money.... I think that's one of the few things I DO remember from Economics-101 in college... HA! Anyways - I would say you have a winner in the guy you've described, but check out his work, and talk with his customers - get as many "warm fuzzies" as you can to allay your concerns - then go with him - and let him do his job for you!!! I think you'll be happy..... BTW......... I found the thread I was referrng to.... it's posted below hth kevin Here is a link that might be useful: Best Questions To Ask For Contractor References