Hi Aquawise - I did check with the co-op ext guy, and he gave me one lead, but the selection is limited, very limited. I'm also befuddled that so many sites I googled don't contain the botanical names. I've never seen so much disregard for a type of plant name before. Hightider - is there a link?

Hey there everyone. Thanks for the replies! Ken: Well I was mostly just trying to help them get answers to their questions. I know for me personally I'd start a new thread for a question like that as opposed to burying in an old thread. As for loving them too much, well, I definitely am not one to do that! haha. as it is I have been doing Miracle Grow as I said, normal strength, once to at most twice per growing season. Usually just as the buds fully open, then once in mid summer. I do it about 1/2 strength. As you can see the results . I may water once or twice to the point of water coming out of the bottom, but then again it is a very porous mix that I'm using too so even that is not alot of water. I don't wanter a whole lot honestly. If there is reasonable rain I cut the watering way back. I check them about once a week or so and if they are DRY 2" or so down into the mix then ill do a watering. The main reason I even asked about ferts was mainly to gather thoughts on using a conifer specific type of fert as opposed to the general, all plant nature of MG. I suppose though that sticking with what has worked is my best bet. Will: Thank you! I've always admired how great yours look in containers as well. It's shown me that it can be done and done well and that's what I'm going for. I 'm going to upgrade a few others as well. Most have (or had) been in their new homes for 3 years now. While some were probably fine I like to err on the side of giving more room than not having enough. I think that is how I killed the horstmann blue dwarf, by NOT upgrading it fast enough. (ive killed a few others as well from not enough attention to the containers.) Granted it was a larger plant though. The Picea Omorika 'Bruns' was at its limit. One more growing season in that pot and I likely would not have been able to get it out of the ground (the roots were well into the ground through the bottom of the pot) and / or it would have died from not enough space / dessication. This upgrade for that one should last 3-4 years, and may be its last upgrade before needing to go into the ground. The P. Mugo Fastigiata are getting separated into their own containers to give them a bit more room. However nothing near as large of a change as what I did for the P. Omorika. They are much smaller plants in general and I think have adapted to more cramped spaces among rocks high in the mountains. I also think that the P. Sylvestris 'Gold Coin' ( if it makes it through it s scale infestation which is fairly bad) and the P. Strobus 'Elf' will likely be fine for another few years in their new homes as they have PLENTY of room and are not exactly fast growers. Josh: Yea I think I am going to keep doing what I have been since my results have been great to this point. As I said I was just looking for opinions on possibly using a conifer specific fert to maybe boost / enhance them a little bit. But hey, if it aint broke don't fix it right? Thanks again all! As always I'd love to see more photos of container conifers!

Lots of places to visit: i.) Fairchild Tropical Gardens--Massive palm and cycad collection in addition to other tropicals. ii.) Vizcaya Museum and Gardens iii.) Tropical Fruit and Spice park. iv.) If you are more adventurous, you can always drive out the Everglades State Park. You can always check out the local big box stores for their plants and plenty of smaller nurseries (especially in the Redlands and Homestead areas).

MK- I know many people who prefer mauritius, including many people who sell lychees for a living. Obviously, I also know many people who dont. Taste is very subjective. Mauritius is also one of the first lychees to ripen- only hak ip ripens as early as it- so thats another benefit- it also has a smaller seed than brewster. As I am not certain I have tasted sweetheart I cant comment on it authortatively, but if it tastes similar to hak ip, it aint that great in my opinion. alot of people like hak ip because it is larger and has a smaller seed than mauritius. a pumpkin is also larger and has a smaller seed than mauritius- doesnt mean it tastes better! Again- it goes without saying that I only speak for myself and if others disagree, thats completely fine. I forgot to note in my report that Jeff Hagen and his wife have a large selection of healthy looking tropical fruit trees and ornamental plants at great prices. If you are looking for something, I would definitly recommend that you check if he has what you are looking for. Adiel- I will def be back to S. FL. What trees do you have