esh_ga: In the second pic halfway down the stem on the right side is an example of the thorns that are prominent on the plant. Thanks for taking a look. dsieber: I already had every intention of keeping (at least while I can cut it down with pruners if needed) and your sarcastic "Get over it" was unnecessary and rude. You can keep your comments to yourself in any future topic(s) I create. This is as educational topic for everyone. If it leaves esh_ga scratching his head then this should be interesting if anyone can nail it down. Everyone: I also measured one of the large post oaks I mentioned earlier and it measured 44.5" at 4 feet above the ground. So maybe it is not quite the 20 feet in circumference I thought but it is still pretty darn big :) I think I found the mother tree just before dark and it is in pretty bad shape. Unfortunately it is on my neighbors property and I don't want to trespass. They are never home to ask for permission. Maybe I can catch them this weekend and get pics of mature bark if it is indeed a match to my small example.

I don't know much about mushrooms, except that the ones you have are caused by overly-wet soil. Your veggies are in plastic containers - you may need to drill some extra drainage holes near the bottom. Do not water so often - wait until the soil dries out a bit first. Also, is that wood mulch? You should not use wood chip mulch on veggie beds - it is too acidic for veggies; try straw (not hay) instead. I assume you want to harvest veggies, so I suggest removing the mushrooms and not water until the soil feels dry (or the plants start to wilt). If the mushrooms come back you are definitely over-watering and your veggies will probably die.

Hi Nancy, Thank you! :) I just got it a few weeks ago and have already seen one leaf unfold. I too am a little puzzled about the name and color. I have searched and like you have not found one with the beautiful blush. Like you said, it could be for the young. But yours is a good size. I know alot of succulents have different colors determined by the amount of sun they get. I got it from a very reliable nursury, so am confident the name is right. It does seem alot like yours. hopefully someone who knows more about this plant will come along. :) For now, that's the name of mine. :)

Yup..they are my cosmos! :-) I'm thrilled that they are doing well for you. You won't have to do a thing to get them to spread. They are prolific self seeders. I normally get 3 generations of flowers in one season, as the seeds they drop continually germinate all summer for me. Jenna, stand back and get ready for a brilliant orange/yellow show! :-) I continually cut these back all summer long when they get gangly. They immediately set new buds and are in full bloom again in less than a week. I am already harvesting seeds and will have packets again this year for the seed swap if anyone is interested. Marilyn