I second: MULCH MULCH MULCH. Mulch does more than one good. In your case it will keep plans roots cooler under hot air and direct sun. It would also slow down drying up . Water at night with cool water. It will help to cool of the roots. Most plants shut down , not just because of hot air but also warm soil. The problem can be agrevated by MANY hours of direct sun. In such cases less sun and some shade is advantageous.

frostynyc - it was a dinky tc in a cell when I got it - planted near the edge of another hosta - figured 2 nibbles by a rabbit and it was gone. Excited to see it back the following year. As stated above - moved it a couple of times - never seemed to affect it. Lot of white in this one so I doubt many would consider it a good grower. Been about the same size the last 3 years (6 eyes). The hosta to the right is Wide Brim. Babka - definitely small, but not mini. 2nd flush of leaves makes a nice difference to how it looks. When I started leaving my Oak Leaves on the gardens over winter, was concerned it would have problems - but OK both years. I do make a point to clear leaves off it in spring, especially if it is very wet. hey_j have the g-kids watch for fireflies - just saw the first ones this week. Paul

Andrew, Yes the neighbors moved as hell have no fury like a scored/pissed plumieholic. After the plumie tossing incident and report to the city about an illegal nursery, the neighbors decided they were going to build a patio structure. Well you better believe that she was watching and noticed there were no permits. Once the neighbor completed the patio maybe a week or 2 later, as to let them enjoy it so they would know what they were missing, she called the city and reported the illegal structure. You better believe the city came and knocked on his door. The neighbor got fined/cited and had to tear down the illegal structure. I believe that is when the neighbors had enough and put their house up for sale, supposedly it sold in a matter of weeks. The neighbor was a retired Highway Patrol officer or cop (cant remember). This was years ago and told her at the time she better watch her back, law enforcement can be worse than the criminals as they have the power. Even after they moved I was told she kept getting reported. I know though she stopped selling on Ebay and MPG, and only sells on her FB Page. Well I received a 911 call from my property manager today, she told me she was out in the front shaking out her front door mat when this guy random scary looking guy opened the gate and just walked on the property aka trespassing even though there are 2 very blatant signs that states "Private Property No Trespassing Or Soliciting, Plants are not for sale!!!!" The Prop Mgr said she informed him he was trespassing and he needed to leave. I was told she was very scared and he just ignored her and kept on looking, then he asked about the plumerias asking if cuttings were available. The prop mgr yelled at him again and said she was going to call the police, then he walked away to the sidewalk and kept staring at the plants. I was told she pulled her cell phone out to dial 911 and told him he was on Cam being recorded and pointed to the camera, then he went to his car and drove off. The prop Mgr was pissed at me stating if the plumies were not there people would not be trespassing and bothering her. So again is it the plumerias at fault or the rude, selfish idiots that do not give a s#i%. Here is the sign that is posted on the first panel of Wrought Iron at the beginning of the drive way: This is whats on the closed gate, there is a kingdom hall that trespasses all the time so I had to include them lol: Who much more clearer or ruder must the signs be? I am in the process of getting a new taller gate that only opens by key or combo. Because of someone being rude I had to rush down to the South Bay and call wrought Iron people and now spend money for a new gate all because someones too cheap to use their money to just buy plumies on their own. This post was edited by freak4plumeria on Tue, Jul 9, 13 at 20:30

I think it's a wonderful picture and I really like the support system for the plants. DH decided to try just hanging baling twine from an overhead support system, kinda like a pergola, and I don't think it's going to work nearly as well as yours. Nice healthy plants with lots of good eatin' to come, yes?! As they used to say on "HeeHaw": "SA-LUTE!!"