a couple more ideas... check the local Craigslist for plumeria on sale by small nurseries and local growers. There's a few here in north SD county, and others in OC. Unfortunately you'll miss the Socal PS meeting on the 8th, and it doesn't look like the South Coast PS has a meeting in May. Jungle Jack has amazing plants and will have an open house in May, but the date isn't announced yet so keep an eye on his website. Be prepared for sticker shock, but the plants are amazing. His plants hit either HD or Lowes in July - Sept. Armstrong Nursery has Hawaii days in May or June to start their summer season - no date yet. They carry C Stars plants. HD or Lowes might have plumeria in stock in May - usually C-Stars or generic plants. Our weather is fabulous right now, but will be "May Gray" followed by 'June Gloom". If you find blooming plants, they will be in greenhouses or inland. I'm going to the South Coast Garden show on Friday, and will ask the sellers if they have booths at any shows during your time period. diana =^,, ^=

We have been visiting the big island for decades and as a "give back" we would like to work with a nursery or garden group to plant trees on some of our favorite beaches - Kona to Kohala. Palm trees come to mind since they are iconic, but any sort of shade tree that is easy to grow and non invasive would be fine. We assume we would have to work with state parks or the county to get permits of some sort, and I have emailed state parks without response. Any ideas or sources of plant material we can purchase for this would be very welcome, as would advice on a way to get permits! We will be on the island several weeks next January and would like to get this project ready to implement so we can plant and water while we are there. if you think this is un doable please say so so I don't waste any more time on it.

Hi Trevor, I highly recommend Jungle Jack's. It's a plumeria addict's dream! Most of my plumerias are from Jungle Jack's. I have been there twice already since April and I'm going again tomorrow. :) Jungle Jack Vista, CA San Diego County Address: 1145 Gopher Canyon Road, Vista, CA 92084 Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, other times by prior appointment. No appointment required during regular business hours. If you go to my thread here you will see some photos of the Plants I bought at Jungle Jacks. http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/plumeria/msg0620541319200.html?41 Jon's plants are healthy, happy and just beautiful. The best part is his prices are very fair and he's a very patient man. Some folks here like Upland Nursery... but I did not have a good experience with them. To me their high prices (I paid $99 for a 2 gal plant vs JJ's 5 Gal for half the price) lack of service and the fact that their plants are grafted... means I won't be buying from them in the future. Also Encinitas and Irvine Home Depot carry JJ's plumerias as well. But since I'm so close to JJ's I just go straight there to get the varieties that I cannot find at HD. Prices are comparable anyway so might as well. My last trip to JJ's I found a NOID which turned out to be Tiger from Thailand. And she's a beauty! So this time I'm going to hunt for a Red flower plant! :) Good luck and have fun if you do go!

Sounds like you made some great finds! I've never heard of Xanthosoma atrovirens so I looked it up. Yes, it is a strange and exotic looking plant. I love it. Jim, do you have that one in your elephant pen? Here is a link that might be useful: Xanthosoma atrovirens. Click on photos to enlarge.