Hello juanital aka garden_momma, " Can the growth and bloom be done with anything under lights? " I wouldn't go so far as to say anything, but a lot of things can be grown under lights, provided that some things are taken into account. Outdoors, many potential pests have natural enemies that keep them in check. For example, aphids, thrips, and fungus gnats. Indoors, in the absence of "natural enemies", those pests can have devastating population explosions. and some control should be used if you notice one of those pests. I have been fortunate not to have a problem the last three years, but I did discontinue the practice of bringing zinnia cuttings indoors in the Fall. and that apparently was one way I was bringing outdoor pests indoors. Growth under lights is used to start a wide variety of plants as seedlings in the Spring, which are then set into the garden to get an early start, as an alternative to just planting the seeds in the garden after the soil warms up. Indoor starting can become indoor gardening. There are books on the subject. Since zinnias are a hobby for me, being able to raise zinnias year-round has been a big help. That way I can get four generations of zinnias in a year, which speeds up my ability to get new forms of zinnias. ZM

My last bloom on APPLE TART just dropped off. I would have had 12 weeks of blooms if it had stayed on, but maybe the storm or cool weather caused it to drop off. As it is, I got 11 weeks of blooms off of this gem. RED VOLUNTEER is putting up a rebloom scape... certainly didn't expect that. KING OF SWING, PURPLE DE ORO, and PLATINUM PALETTE CALYPSO CORAL are also still blooming as well as the ones below. Not too bad for this area in the second week in September. Just hope the fall stays warm enough to produce blooms. BUTTERED POPCORN is reblooming and is sending up another scape just to the lower left of the bloom. WITCH STITCHERY... also wasn't expecting this rebloom scape. The blooms have been subjected to cool weather lately, so they aren't laying as nicely as usual, but hey, I'll take it! SEA GOLD... really growing to love the layers of color on this one. Vickie

Should it? Well, I've been working with a interiorscape company for businesses decorating themed trees for the last month - they look fabulous to the point where I'm now thinking of redoing mine. I'm tired of my mish mash but there are those ornaments that just mean way to much to exclude. Things learned while working: Prelit trees - by year 5 the lights get blown, and you have to get concerned at this point of overheating the tree. Yes you could replace the bulbs if you can find the right ones. Too bad I know this now - got one of these babies last year and found it too bright - the space shuttle can be guided in for a landing with this tree! The company has rescued some of the client trees with wire cutters to take out the lights but given the time required and manhours, it's cheaper to buy a new tree. BTW, the charity shops right now are putting out their xmas stuff and you can get good trees really cheap, along with wreaths. Got one for $1.99. It was all flat with dead decorations - remove all that stuff, refluff it and dust it off with a soft brush and you can redo it yourself. The dollar stores have terrific ornaments at a good price. Also, the first weekend in Dec the ornaments start getting reduced dramatically if you're looking for bargains.

@ RES, architect Same here been using Sketchup Pro since it 1st came out in 2000 and Chief Architect Pro ( before it was Chief Architect since 90s) In earlier days I have been using just for my own project designs and customers and for the last 10 years or so I been doing work for many customers...It seems this is the best way to get something designed that a homeowner can actually visualize the project as it was already built and you place them right inside the house and they can get a better feel how rooms interact with adjoining spaces, they can walk through the entire house, a finished basement, sit at the island of their kitchen, or the outdoors. Now I average about 100-150 designs a year for customers and contractors locally and nationwide with all kinds of projects... from simple furniture placement to entire 3D house layout, I have some builders they use my services for a spec home 3D visuals and real-time renderings, schematics for zoning board proposals, real estate agents, contractors, and homeowners, not to mention I work with some architects as well. IMHO This is the way to go nowadays to end up with a design you really want... I don't want the old-timers to take me the wrong way, quick pencil mack-ups are good in the field to give the customer an idea what you have in mind and to make sure this is what they like... but when you at home, you can present your customer with 3D images using available software in any way you like, sure it takes an investment, with plugins, certain renderers, etc the whole software packages ran me about 4k with bells and whistles that I need + monthly fees to display models and run online video sessions, etc but now when working with a customer when the initial model laid out... you can move walls, cabinets, swap elevation views, scenes, swap materials within seconds while the customer is watching and you can present them drawings in any style, shape, or form that they can pass onto their architect, builder, or contractor and with a visual everyone is on the same page. Here a few examples of different representation styles you can do with a mouse click.