Summersoff, I believe the plant you have in the first photo is Chamaedorea elegans, also known as Parlor Palm. As to if it will grow into a larger palm from it's current size, I cannot say (I do not know that much about this particular plant, but at least a name will help you if you want to research it online). As to the second photo, I saw one of these just the other day, I don't remember what it stated the species was, but it is a species of Dracaena, I think it might be Dracaena sanderiana, which is also known as Lucky Bamboo. Lucky Bamboo as you mentioned, is also a species of Dracaena, not bamboo as some people think. It looks to me that the stems present on this plant are stems of the plant itself, but its top growth (leaves) has been stunted (by growing the plant so its stems become a certain thickness and then chopping off the top section of growth, causing new "shoots" to form at the tops, creating the foliage you see). To me, it looks like a really thick version of Lucky Bamboo, which makes me think it might be Dracaena sanderiana. It is similar to your Corn Plant, which is also a species of Dracaena (usually Dracaena fragrans). However, your Corn plant is not growing on its original stem (see below). Just some information on your Corn plant in case you didn't know but were interested: It is a piece of cane rooted in the soil (the foliage on top of the corn plant is the Dracaena fragrans) with some Dracaena "grafted" or "air layered"-- I don't know exactly how they do it-- into the cane which creates what you see and know as a Corn Plant. I hope this information has been helpful. Planto

Well then, you have a 'natural' ability ot understand their needs and they seem to respond to you very well:-) You have had that plant that long? You know, when I buy a plant before hand and they say 2 years before bloom, it seems like a long time to wait. But, looking back one would probably wonder where that time went and how fast it can fly by! Thanks for the name. It sounds like a plant not to hard to please, right up my alley for now. I hope to own one real soon. I was going to ask you if you missed your other home in which I can remember being very nice. But, you seem excited about being in Florida too. I would be for sure.. The ceilings are high outdoors there year round, and the hunidity in abundance. I'll bet you couldn't wait to see how your plants react and to try plants you once dreamed of. Mike

No, I haven't, but I don't see any reason why you couldn't do it, in fact, it would probably add a nice smokey flavor that I'd enjoy. I say go for it, and let us know how it turned out. Annie

If you haven't purchased your crape myrtles yet, you might want to wait until they bloom to buy them. Lots of mis-marked crapes in garden centers, so much better to tell when blooming and leafed out. Crapes are hardy, so even though it would be best to plant now, they will be fine if you wait, as long as you are mindful of watering while they are establishing. As far as your soil quality - it depends alot on what you are going to plant. If you are going native then less ammending is better - maybe just add a little compost. But if you are planting what I call "picky plants", the more the better. I'd decide on what you want, then look at their soil requirements at ammend accordingly. You can plant shrubs and perennials just about any time - be mindful of water if you wait until it gets really warm. Enjoy your new landscape. Expect to make some mistakes - plants that don't like the spot you picked, but keep at it. Trial and error.......