Thank you so much! I really, really wish Indian Paintbrush was native here...your pictures made me want some even more! April

Aputernut what are the origins of your kings? They are magnificent!! DH and I took a trip to Bronner's this fall. #1 on my bucket list was a visit!! I am sooo embarrassed and feel so STUPID. I was not interested in the video of the history as I knew it and saw much on Youtube, so avoided the "Program room". I did peak in at one point and it was dark as a show was going on...The next day, an hour outside of Frankenmuth I began reading their literature. To my GREAT frustration I discovered in that dark room are cases of 150+ nativities from 50+ different countries!! I have been begging and the Bronner's Facebook page has begun posting pictures of some of them. Unfortunately they do not post as many Creche sets as they do ornaments. But they are not for sale--they are a private collection so I get it. ANYWAY I added a camel and cow to my outdoor set..and I am scouring ebay for a few more shepherds..there are some older characters out there I would love to get my hands on!! We also went to one large spot light. DH is very into cutting our wattage use DOWN. I have a star hanging on the back of the light pole, and we have enough snow to cover the blue extension cord so it is all very nice IMHO

If you're wanting to ID plantation forestry species or amenity species (eg eucalypts or deciduous species) you might find it helpful to contact your local farm forestry people or Tree Crops Association, and go prepared with plant material/photographs and info on the location. If the plants are on your property that will probably cause you few problems. Another possible source for tree ID is to call a logging contractor. They can usually tell the difference between Douglas fir and spruce..;-D. It could be part of establishing your baseline property values - and arranging for pruning/thinning to get the best return on your timber crops. If they're not indigneous species - and you're a confident photographer - try using the 'Name That Plant!' forum on the main listing. If you check it out first you'll quickly see the photographs that help the plant sleuths - and the ones that cause severe head-scratching...

Looks like black scale to me, I get similar on various plants, especially some leptospermums and mandevilleas. I use white oil and sometimes (rarely) a garden insecticide. They don't seem to do a lot of damage other than spoil the look of things and maybe make 'em a bit sick if the infestation gets too heavy. B.