"It has been estimated that an average multiflora rose plant may produce a million seeds per year, which may remain viable in the soil for up to twenty years. Germination of multiflora rose seeds is enhanced by passing through the digestive tract of birds. " It's outta here! Thanks!! And if anyone wants a kitten and lives nearby, give me a buzz, lol...

As an ex-okie and an ex-Plant Delights employee here's my two cents: The Thalictrum would be the showiest at this point because it is a cool season grower and emerges early in the greenhouse. The Remusatia is a tough-easy-to-grow elephant ear but it waits til the weather is hot to take over so it's kinda early to expect big things out of it. A. wentii do better, look better if protected in the winter (I bring mine inside in pots), even though they are winter hardy they look like crap in cold weather so again, its a bit early in the season to expect big things from them (and don't believe everything you read about them and hardiness). I assume you bought 'Steroidal Giant' tetrapanax (the normal T. papyriferus is avialable locally - I had it when I lived in OKC 5 years ago) which is a wonderful plant and very dramatic - but, I kill them on a regular basis. They seem so happy in the greenhouse but just don't transplant well for me. Once established they can take off and get huge but dealing with the babies is a different story. Don't know how to guide you because they aren't available through many nurseries that mail order. When I worked there we would let them dry out completely between waterings to avoid rot. The other plant on your list I don't recognize. I don't think you are over-reacting but you do need to understand a few things. First and foremost nurseries don't own the shipping company. I don't know any nurseries that make money from the shipping. They charge a fee based on the contract they sign with a shipper. It may seem high for shipping but sending live plants across state lines involves a lot more than mailing a letter. There are companies out there that charge less but sooner or later they always end up in financial trouble and raise their prices. Don't be mad at the nursery for shipping charges. In order the ship plants you want to keep your plant sizes small - hopefully at the magic age where they are just about to explode in growth and bloom or at the point where they will handle transplanting well and this is different with every species of plant. The folks at PDN are experts but who knows what happened to those plants during transport? I'm sure they will accomodate you if you have any complaints.

Some of his charges were legitamate. We had asked for certain upgrades months ago, and he kept putting us off with costs. Then he shocked us with it the day they poured concrete in the foundation. WINDOWS: We asked for Fiberglass windows instead of vinyl. ($3K increase) KITCHEN: We upgraded cabinets (from a Kraftmaid level 5 to a level 8), and I chose granite from his provider. He indicated that we went over allowance even though I chose from what I was told to choose from and size of kitchen has not changed from date of contract. He had provided an allowance for appliances, but when I tried to get them from the guy he suggested, his guy didn't want to deal with our level of appliances --we're getting a Kenmore range, not Thermador. So he told me to get appliances on my own, and he would credit the $8K allowance. Well, that allowance was sucked up by "other" kitchen expenses, and we still need to purchase appliances on our own. This amounted to a $4K price INCREASE. FOUNDATION: He upped the total almost $5K for additional foundation digging and porch support beam because of new hurricane requirements (I live in the northern Virginia) MISC OTHER STUFF: He has wierd stuff we can't figure out, like 150 sqft of drywall for an area less than 60 sqft (when we brought this to his attention, he said that they might need extra. More than twice the amount?); a plumber, electrician, AND a carpenter will be installing our disposal, dishwasher, refrigerator, and range. When I brought this up, he said all these people needed to help with installation. We are being charge EXTRA for installation because we also have a different expense line for the plumber and electrician with allowances (which I guessed would have included stuff like making an outlet for the stove and disposal, etc.). MORE TO COME: He let us know that the roofer will need to put on more roofing (he priced out roofing for just the addition, but he said last night that he knew the roofer would have to roof over some of the old part of house too). This was NOT included in his 20% increase! He also gave us allowances for electrician and plumber, but he let us know yesterday that they would probably not be enough to cover the actual costs. This amount is is also NOT included in his 20% increase. I am at a loss. We did not sign the change order last night. When we left and he said something about ordering the cabinets and windows, I told him I would not order anything if I were him. We checked him out with the Better Business Bureau and he looked like he had a great reputation with national builder organizations. He has won several National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) awards -- I thought we had done our homework. We have a retired contractor coming to look at the change orders and the blueprints tomorrow. Plus, my dad just passed the bar last year and said he would look over the contract. I just didn't want it to come to this --- ahhhhhh!

Bethnorcal...Gold Star or Golstern ,is a Kordesii shrub ( which with no prune cane take off ) but can be kept as a 5 foot bush with hard pruning. Plus you get more blooms for your buck. I ordered both so I too will check with Nicole to make sure I don't get two of the same. My Goldstern Rotary Sunrise is a fav of mine I have three. It is a soft colouring of Tequila Sunrise. Dizzy Heights can also be kept shorter like a tall shrub. I kept it to 7 feet in my garden. Parade another of Boerner's Kordes like fragrant climbers. This one does do well in part shade. Parade in semi shade I have tried Good Life three times but this is a rose that will be happier in your area than mine. I now have three wimpy 2 canes. This year I will pour the liquid fertilizer on them. I think this is one of the best pure orange rose HTs.