liquidgold, advertising is not allowed in the gardenweb. ozziesgirl, I truly expect that the problem is due to under-watering, don't you? I happen to believe that clay containers and a very porous planting mix (no soil, which can really slow drainage down) are the best way to treat container plants, but I am prepared to water frequently and thoroughly. Our container plants like nothing better than fresh, oxygenated water. Healthy, vigorous root systems require oxygen just as much as they do water. Frequent drenching (as well as a very porous mix) provides both. The frequency of watering depends upon the size of your containers in relation to the size of your plants. Among other things. They may need watering as much as once a day. I have several bonsai that I have to water a couple of times a day in the heat of the summer. Geraniums and petunias both require frequent deadheading and regular fertilization in order to maintain their full blooming status. But, I'm sure you know that. Whatever helpful hint that you try, I sure hope that you find something that works for you, as that's the most important thing. We all learn by our failures, as well as our successes. And there can be lots of failures in the gardening world, lol.

Hi Mike, I had a red flowering COT, but I don't think the soil was as well draining as it should of been and well, you know the rest.... Now don't be shy, you do a GREAT job with your plants!All the ones I have seen posted here look fantastic! Thanks Mike:O) Billy Rae

Hey, cool.....that was alot of fun to read. Thanks for taking the time to put that together! Hmmmmm....you've given me some ideas for a new page on my butterfly website. ~ Judy

Hi, after a decade of growing in Melbourne I am now in the Sydney region and I'm wondering how to adjust my planting times. I am trying to factor in the different humidities and the shorter winter here. Does anyone have a planting calendar for Sydney which they recommend? It's confusing because some guides list Sydney as part of a hot or subtropical region (with Brisbane) but others list it as temperate (with Melbourne). It seems neither is that useful as one would have me growing my tomatoes in winter (too cold here), while the other suggests I should wait til November, and surely it will warm up before that! Although I know nothing replaces experience, any suggestions very much welcome.