There were roses everywhere when we bought this house, and we have been removing them one by one and giving them to friends. One friend lives on a street called Rose Circle, or something like that, and she has been good about taking the unwanted roses off our hands. I have been replacing the roses with drought tolerant plants, such as succulents and cacti, which I much prefer. Still, some roses still come back from roots that we were unable to remove, and so it is an ongoing process to get rid of them. We have kept one rose bush in the front yard that makes white flowers, and it seems to bloom all year, which is why we kept it. Also, the white flowers go better with our color schemes than the pink ones. We are trying to get rid of the pink that we inherited with the house. The first thing to go was an ornamental peach tree that attracted possums. We have replaced that with banana and heliconia - not drought tolerant plants, but they work with our existing watering system. I have a hard time throwing out orchid cuttings, but we have too many epidendrum in the back yard and no place to put all of them. I also have a bit of a hard time throwing out bromeliad cuttings, but I have no trouble at all throwing out roses, as the thorns are quite nasty. Some of the bromeliads are nasty also, and so I do not feel bad about throwing those out. If it pricks you, do not feel bad about throwing it out is my philosophy. It's nice when you can find homes for unwanted plants, but it is not nice to keep something that is getting in your way.

Hi jstropic, Yes I have many uses for pandan leaves. Apart from putting it in rice, I use it when making waffles, bread & desserts. Pandan-chicken is also yummy. There are many pandan recipes on the internet. It is also a natural cockroach repellent. Pandan was literally wiped-out after FL winters of 2010 & 2011 but I managed to find a small 1 at an Asian store last year and am desperately trying to grow more. :) Here is a link that might be useful: Pandan Chicken

Maryanne, What do you mean by interesting? I know Carol had the box, so hopefully, no depends or adult toys are in there! LOL! She's forever mentioning them! ;) Should I open this box when my Family's asleep? LOL! Deb

To make this even more simple-- Two groups, two boxes.. Box one went out the other day- The list for box #1.. Nancy (Cedarnest) will receive the box first and then choose who receives it next (to keep postage costs reasonable, this is not a flat rate box). Maryanne C. Marie G. Deanie P. Mariann M. Carol B. Tina R. Jeanette P. Kimberly I. Sue G. Back home..Deb A. *********************************** Box #2 is going out today- to Susan F. (Axelsrose) And then on to-- (Susan will choose) from the list-- Karen H. (Kalena67) Andrea H. (Andrea81) Lisa (Simplylisa) Candy S. (Candycow) Brenda S. (Mimib1) Wendey (Wendeyzee) Back home to Deb (Debbya) Several did not turn in any information (Names/addresses). It's so important to do so on time when your signing up for a swap, especially when there is a deadline. I waited until this morning for any additional addresses/info. But, only one name came in. I'll post the delivery confirmation number when box #2 goes out later today (TO- SUSAN F. (Axelsrose) Now, on to the SWAP FUN! Deb