Thanks! I've always loved them but couldn't keep them alive when I lived back east. I did get to work with them and other cacti and succulents for the short time I worked at the NY Botanical Garden. I figured now that I have pretty much ideal conditions for them I should try again and so far have had pretty good luck. I've kept most alive for a year now, a bunch survived through dormancy and have bloomed, and others have multiplied. The best thing about them is they are so little I can grow lots of them since I only have a balcony these days.

Thanks for your answer about the cross, Linda! And the comments on Red Friday. It's not my favorite DL because it is short and looks kinda like a piece of cloth after too many washings. I thought it gave teeth but just googled and Randy Stephens is a toothy flower itself. I thought about using RF for some crosses but only tried with Chance Encounter last year. Again, your seedlings from RF are gorgeous!

Thanks for the encouraging comments. These seedlings were all started under lights in January of 2008. Some of them bloomed last September through October. For many of them this is their first summer to bloom. That's why I think they need more time before a final evaluation. The red one is from a cross using Tet Robert Oliver. That one measured almost 7" this morning and the scape is almost like a tree trunk. Number 6 measured at 6" with decent branching and a height of 36". So things may improve some next year. Linda

Rita, I do tend to sit back & just admire my yard when the iris or daylilies are in bloom. I adore the dense, lush look like you have. I often wish I had just enclosed an area close to the house & worked on something similar, but I just didn't know how & make it look right. Not good at designing. Also, I have always wanted my driveway lined with flowers & it is getting there. Looks good from the road & I get complements even though it is quite away from the main road. Renee, it is a shame you miss out on the peonies, but I don't feel too sorry for you :) Your garden is magnificent, I'm green with envy to see the plants you grow that I can't! Didn't I see a photo of your brugmansia, here or on another forum? I tried them here, but way too much trouble to overwinter so they can bloom in time. They overwintered in the ground, but were just ready to bloom by the time it got cool. I don't have Starship Enterprise, but Darcy has done really well so far. Got it from our iris sale in 2010, they don't give out huge rhizomes, so I'm pleased with how much it has multiplied & how well it has bloomed. Mantis, I only have one one stalk from Gypsy Romance, but it is gorgeous! I am so sorry someone took your plant, a whole clump! Nasty. I keep hearing about plant thieves, but "knock on wood" it doesn't seem to happen here. At least, I never hear about it. Thanks Kay. I missed getting the first bloom on Diabolique so that is why the crazy photo :)