Yep, I'm still climbing the curve and likely will be for a long time, judging by your comment. I'm actually a much better photographer ( amateur ) than what the photos I posted allude to. There's only one good photo I ever posted to this GW Site. The most of them are just 'pictures' to convey visual support for my verbage. This dang digital camera is nice, but ... really has some serious limitations when it comes to getting artistic. I have a Minolta XE-7 SLR that I use when I want to do some art. And additionally, I use Photoshop 7.0 to manipulate what I 'scan' in from negatives. The digital camera allows me to skip the negative development, but there is very little control over exposure, depth of field and no interchangable lenses. The digital only give one the ability to get instant photos, kinda like the polaroids did back in their hey day. The best one can do is frame the shot and hope the internal electronics handles the light well enough to get a decent pic. I seriously need to get something better like an EOS. But thanks for you comments. Good News! I just affirmed germination and sprouting of an Anthurium Crenatum ... something new has started to grow!

These are REALLY nice looking plants! Will you dig them up, or leave them in the ground with protection?

Hey Randy. Thanks for the support. The variegated Cycas Taitungensis specimens growing here at the Chumley Estate are finally producing pups that are beautifully variegated and growing at a very rapid pace. I have not given up hope of producing seed from these magnificent plants, but unfortunately most are of the male gender and that makes it very slow. Sinse Taitungensis rarely ever pup, I had to take a machete and scar the trunks in order to get them to start producing pups (basil offshoots) and it certainly has been sucessful. I now have a waiting list for variegated cycads and I try to accomodate everyone's wishes. how is your Variegated Plant Website doing? You and Sherm have such nice items that are the best quality. The Crinums, ferns, and other species that I received from you are quite a conversation piece with everyone who visits here. Thanks .......Robert Chumley Here is a link that might be useful: Chumley Cycads

Dave, did you start the Sago from seed yourself? I can't believe how quickly its fronds grew in the time frame mentioned..I guess that's one difference living in VA vs. Il You probably have longer summers than we do. Right? Is the Sago's pot Terracotta or Clay? Either way, it looks heavy..but when we're determined, we manage hauling plants outside..lol I also like your musa..is it hardy to VA? The only hardy bananas here are Basjoo, which grow inedible fruit..but they get tall, large leaf, and quite pretty. Dave, I'm an underpotter, and only water when soil is dry..I made a huge mistake w/my last Sago..it was the first that lived over 2 yrs..the front plant room, which is where it was kept, gets quite cold in winter..Don't know what I was thinking, but made the mistake of watering at night, then setting back in the cold..The next morning it was lying horizontal..So, I've learned a lesson..never, ever water at night, or even water and place in a cold room..it doesn't work. Years ago, I also lost a Pachypodium..sigh. We learn from our mistakes.. Anyway, your plants are gorgeous..Out of all the Sago's I've seen grown outside of a nursery I have to say yours is the best.. Xero..there are basically two types of all-purpose potting soils sold here in Il..heavy, black, or highly peat based. Niether can be used for plants w/o mixing other mediums..One is too heavy, the other two light. I buy the heavier soil, then add other stuff so it blends, and definatly well-draining. (for 99% of my plants) There are no soils sold here containing bark, etc..at least I've never found a place that sells soil like you mention. Therefore, the only choice is mixing my own. I'm not saying I'm an expert, but I truly believe my plants do more than 'just thriving'. I grow citrus, many of which are blooming and fruiting. (over 20 types) succulents, (don't add peat in cactus/succulents) Various tropicals, palms, anthuriums, calatheas, stromanthes, fat plants, African Violets, Episcias...the list goes on and on. BTW, I sometimes toss in a handful of orchid bark when repotting..Oh and speaking of repotting, this is only done when a plant needs it, but evey so often, I freshen the top w/fresh mix. You're welcome to visit my website and check out plants..I'd appreciate any comments..Thanks, Toni