Now is definitely the time for hummers in the Central Florida area (Zone 9 and above). Those of you farther south are saying goodbye to yours for the summer, most likely. We in Orlando have had them showing up since late February, and by now, we are well into their spring and summer season. They'll be with us until August/early September, then they will head farther south. Mark saw one on our purple firespike about 3 weeks ago, but I haven't seen one yet. I know they are out there. But unless they are really hanging out in your yard, you have to be in the right spot at the right time to catch sight of one. This year, I'm hoping to pull in several so that maybe I can get them back each year. At my old house, we would often see 5 or 6 at a time, which isn't bad for this area. And we do have just as many down here as there are farther north, but for some reason, they are less noticeable in our gardens. I don't know why, but they seem to be more plentiful in Florida wild places than in Florida gardens. That's my experience, anyway. Marcia

Sheri, If you're interested in seeds for a dwarf ponciana, send me an email ( susannahnesmith(at)yahoo.com) They germinate easily. I get a little evangelical about this plant, but it is really showy, constantly has monarchs on it, and has never been watered (beyond rain water) or fertilized. And, to add to my love of it, now it got a hummer in the yard, even if he didn't stick around. I meant to bring seeds to the swap, but forgot, but I can toss some in the mail if you'd like to try it. I've got mine trained as a small tree, but it can also be a big bush. Loves sun. Mine is blasted all day long, no shade whatsoever, and is happy as can be. Susannah

Went to Home Depot this am, bough a feeder, red geranium and pink penstemon. Then off to a local nursery and got some foxgloves and Indian pinks. Planted them all today and thought I saw the hummer flying away when I went outside.I made the sugar water, too. Hopefully it will come back!

Hi Penny - Retirement is going great; I never looked back. Had a career that I loved, but the last couple of years of work let me know that it was time to get out. I had grandeous ideas of large cottage gardens, but DH has been diagnosed with severe spinal stenosis, so it is time for me to realize that I have to simplify and pare back on my ambitions. I'm working on a couple more small lasagna gardens, but that will be it. I'm hoping to get yet another person to help with the mowing. I have been crocheting small afghans up a storm for the domestic violence center and the nursing home connected to the hospital here in Saratoga Springs. Many women at the Sr. Center where I go weekly knit/crochet for the hospital. A fun group of women and I look forward to getting together with them. Right now friends and relatives are in So. Calif, which is going up in flames. We just hope that they stay safe. Carol