Hi Moose. Fungus Gnats are a pain, but easy to rid. Mealy is another story. I haven't seen Mealy Bugs in years. 10+. Then, two years ago, those creatures of hell found my plants. I ended up tossing most of my African Violets and several Clivias. A few Hoyas and two Stephanotis now have Mealy. Seems Fishtail Hoya is a Mealy magnet. Yesterday, I sprayed my Steph with RA. I also applied the alcohol on a cotton ball, then Q-Tip and wiped all signs of Mealy off. Others I talk to said they're having problems with Mealy, too..2010-2011. I wonder if these creatures are on HD plants or the fact so many people are finding Mealy on their plants is coicidence. One friend suggested using Bayer Systemic, but I don't care for chemicals. So, hopefully RA works. The best way to rid gnats is, allow soil to dry out between waterings, either set outside or keep windows opened and run a rotating fan. They usually appear when soil is too wet and air is dry and stuffy. A little effort and the gnats will die. Rhizzo, you said you have to keep up with it often..How often and what's the best way to apply? Also, should RA be diluted with water or straight from the bottle? Thanks, Toni

Hi Ostrich - thank you so much for the sympathies!!! Â;) I just now, came in from rescuing what I could ... I shouldn't have asked my hubby to help push up the huge tangled branch that I just mended (had a small, slight split) ... he didn't realize how brittle the canes are ... so there went the largest center cane bearing tons of blossoms!!! Â:((( & tears! I am getting good at weaving a web ... must be related to 'Charlotte' LOL !!! I was able to pull up straight, one of the other taller center canes, with a loop & wove thru to make the top, not so, bald looking. This time I sent Hubby in & did all the cosmetic weaving alone! It's a good thing I'm only 4'10", working under the tangled mass, of lovely clusters, would have been a real purgatory!!! I also had to bundle loosely, Tardiva1's central canes, as they were splaying some, T2 did OK as I've anchored him after the last one ... panicles are getting heavy for the seeds! As expected Li'l L splayed some from the wt of the water held by the full panicles ... the network of nylons I wove last storm, held fairly well this time!!! Â;) I left the 2 huge branches soaking in a bucket, to deal with them tomorrow (try to root, I mean) if I can get another plant from those branches for my grand-dau to take home, it'll be a joy!!! July was awfully quiet here, I think it may just be a late storm season this year ... but I'll keep fingers crossed along with you!!! Isn't it amazing how the blossoms stay on thru all the whipping & swirling ... I can just imagine the dance P Kyu performed to break her limbs!!! LOL Again, many thanks for your kind thoughts! Â;)

Melinda thank you for the wonderful things you sent.I needed peat pellets so they were very much appreciated along with the Lily Bulbs.I planted them thisafternoon.The foliage plant arrived in perfect condition.All I need to do was plop it in a pot and it looks like I just bought it at a store!!Love It!!.I also loved the kitchen towel.It is soo spring looking with the pretty flowers on it.That Lady Bug Shelf Sitter really makes me smile.That is *pardon the pun* Cute As A Bug!!Also a big thank you for the suet cake.My woodpeckers have been going thru them like mad lately. Well Melinda and everyone thanks again for making my month as princess a special one.I can't wait to you all have your turns at the throne so I can repay your kindness : )) Nancy

The Princess is amazing and I just love the time the two of you spend together. She is beautiful, hair brushed or not, and seems to just soak up everything she can from you. You are a blessing because you make the time to do things with your grandkids and you tell the love that is involved.