That is a Flower Fly larva. The adult looks a lot like a Bee, but it moves like a Fly. Those are my best friends in the greenhouse! Do NOT destroy these! They can clean up an Aphid infestation in a matter of a day or two. Here is a link that might be useful: a list of Flower Fly species

Quinn, I wrote to the owner yesterday..He replied saying he's been having problems with that site. He also asked which products I was interested in ordering. I wish I knew more about Eleanor's VF-11, then make a decision whether or not to buy it. Quinn, like I said, in the 90's I was a dedicated Logees customer. I still have quite a few of their plants. The only problem back then was their shipping prices. 7 plants for 11.00..But shipping costs didn't stop me from ordering either..lol Then, around 1999-2000, I placed an order. What a disappointment! First, they decreased pot sizes from 4" to 2 1/4"..but, worse, while reducing size, they increased prices AND shipping. I order quite a bit, and know what shipping costs should be. They went overboard. Still, as long as they sent decent plants I figured it was worth it..Then everything went downhill. I placed an order, including a variegated lemon tree..Quinn, the so-called citrus was no larger than 2" and was gone within days..soil was dry from its shipping ride, not wrapped properly. Still 2"!! Besides, it was an ungrafted seedling. They didn't mention that. For the price, I was expecting, at the least, a small but grafted citrus. There were other plants that were dead upon arrival..even ST couldn't save them. The last order included an Acalypha. A DEAD Acalypha. This time I phoned customer service. The woman was very nice, helpful. She must have read over previous orders because she said, 'I certainly will replace your plant, we don't want to lose you as a customer.' And she did..the second Acalypha was gorgeous. Why didn't they send the second plant in the first place? So, after $150+ later, I never again ordered from Logees. There are too many nurseries around that ship big, healthy plants. I admit, some have a tendency to up S&H, but considering prices and sizes of plants, (most 4"ers) it's worth it. I don't want to down Logees..Perhaps they're sending larger plants and packing securely..It's been years since my last order, so I can't say. As long as consumers are satisfied with their purchases, that's all that matters. Then again, two people on the Fragrant forum who recently ordered from Logees complained their plants were loaded with insects. Quinn, I'm not going to say I've never killed a plant, but if I receive a new plant that's dead or half-dead, I can't take the blame. Toni PS. If you're still interested in the small, hanging baskets, email the owner. I'll let you know how it goes.

You need rocks?We live on an old rock quarry. We raked rocks for three summers up in our grove of trees before we could start with our shade garden. And you never used a shovel,you used a digging bar, a big one, not easy when you are about 4foot9, give or take an inch or two.You see a small rock and start to dig it out and it keeps getting bigger and bigger. and they are not the pretty flat ones, they are plain old round river rocks. I think they multiply at night! An uncle told us once they are good for the garden cause they hold the heat . That uncle told us alot of things, very few of which we believed. So I don't know!!!

I don't have time to read all the other messages but just a quick word of advice - Colorado Natives are not real fond of transplants, as in people who immigrate here. Their top two disliked transplants are Texans and Californians. Change your license plates ASAP as a matter of top priority. And I have learned to stay very quiet about being from out of state. When we first moved here (7 years ago) there were often write ups in the paper about eggings of cars that were from Texas or California and people being harrassed, kids at school, etc. It is fairly openly discussed in social situations, as well. I had family here who helped me transition fast, they were concerned for our family. People like being here and it's getting body to body over-crowded and the growth and expense is staggering. It's on the minds of many - like at the top of their minds - and sometimes it's just better not to say you are a transplant, especially don't be passing the word around that you are from Southern California. The transplant to native ratio is evening up fast so this may not be an issue for too much longer. Good luck! And I am not saying this to put anyone down or cause fear or anything like that. Just friendly advice from someone who went through it. Like I said - it's getting better but we have had a ton of construction again lately, you will see that in the Springs - and people are antsy again.