I'll probably post for cuttings next week. Mail or pickup, your choice. Note however, the pickup gets the big cuttings. I'm not planning on sending anything out real soon. No-Clue - the plants are about 2 feet from the wall and about 2-3 feet apart. A bit too close to tell you the truth. I'd leave more space between them if I had a choice. But then, the spacing was determined by the number of plants I had at the time. Plants have been in the ground about 5 years now. Here's what they looked like in 2008. That's a different wall and garage next door by the way.

Did she ask him what he'd want, or is this a surprise party? Good luck finding something that will get everyone to participate! LOL But if it's a favorite of his, that would encourage more participation. Also, how far do you want to go? Is this some major dress-up or a theme for decoration, menu and atmosphere? It could also have an impact on people who are financially strapped if that applies to any of the guests. Not trying to be a wet blanket, just pointing out some things to consider. Without knowing the people at all, I can't give any suggestion on a theme. But I can wish you luck and hope the party's a blast!

I like the idea of including the other grandma, but starting off the bracelet with a charm or two each. I think the fun of a charm bracelet is adding to it over time. Like Azzalea, I don't ever wear mine, but I'm glad I have it. My mother gave me charms while I was a teenager to remind me of different things. My favorite charm was an ice cream cone. She and I had gone to a very fancy fashion mall and got ice cream cones. We were window shopping while licking our cones when suddenly the ice cream fell off her cone and went SPLAT on the nice floor. We looked at each other with wide eyes and RAN AWAY. It was so uncharacteristic for either of us, because normally we would have tried to clean it up. We were so embarrassed that the ice cream fell and then we ran, but we both found it so FUNNY and we still laugh about it. She got me the cone to remember that moment of bonding in my teen years. I think it means far more to me now than it did then.

My house is fairly dry in winter and I don't have these problems. Can you describe the mix you use? Soil is one of those things that every grower tweaks over years to get the perfect mix that works for your environment, your watering habits, heat/humidity, etc. I use only coir and perlite, and for me and my environment and watering habits, it's perfect. For someone who lives in AZ where it's dry and hot, it would surly mean death to their plants. For someone with a heavy hand in watering, it wouldn't be loose enough. Some people add orchid bark to basically what I use. I find that makes the mix too loose and forces me to water more than is my habit. How long have you been growing Hoyas? If for several years, I'd guess you are right and it's probably the weird year you're experiencing, and there's probably little you can do about it. I don't know what kind of winters you have there, but ours are very harsh and I inevitably have a few casualties. But most of my Hoyas come through with flying colors. And I grow a lot of succulents as well... I don't have much trouble with them in winter, either, as long as I'm careful not to over-water. Denise in Omaha