We are getting off the topic, but I remember the lush yard of my childhood w/ all the clover and watching the honeybees, and the exciting days when we would take the honey out of the hives... I planted clover and I wish all the weedy grass would go away! (No neighbors are going to care here as our lots are set in the middle of woods, and we are out in the country.) My clover has had a tough time (doesn't like sand?), but there is one low-growing weed that I am encouraging as it does not need to be mowed. No mowing is my goal. As for my clems (many of which you all enabled!), they are doing fairly well. I was most impressed w/ Arabella- the best bloomer! I have mostly watered from my rain barrels this summer and it is not very satisfactory because the sand soaks up the moisture so fast (great for watering pots and small areas though). I too have to figure out where to plant the ones I stuck in pots in the spring. Most are going into the rose garden (if the roses don't make it maybe the clems will). I have planted several to climb up my deck railings. I know there is a lot of controversy about adding soil amendments, but I am with the other readers who see the fence as a prime planting ground. Maybe someone who knows more about amendments could help out? I wish you the best of luck in finding them a good place, and would appreciate it if you will wish me luck as well. Thanks, Brandy

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This thread brings up yet another lost phone story. DH and I were walking the dog by a school. There was a stone wall and on it, an iPhone. We decided to take it and turn it into the police. It was a locked phone, but a text message popped up. It was the name of a young man who lived around the corner from us! When we got home, I send a message via FaceBook saying we had his friend's phone and where we found it. He said he would contact the friend, but then days went by. We finally knocked on their door and spoke to the parents. They took the phone and were surprised their son didn't get back to us sooner. Kids! What were the chances of us knowing the person who texted and that he went by his first and last name?

I would say that they are not scale. Scale should come off easily, without leaving the 'dent'/wound/cratch on the leaves. I had scale, on succulents (they seem to like kalanchoe), on ficus benjamina, on a bay leaf plant... They were never difficult to take off, dead or alive. They can be wiped off with moistened cotton ball or tissue/paper towel or q-tip. Some of the marks look like oedema - but you say your plants don't get wet. Oedema happens when plant takes in more water than it can transpire. It starts as small bumps that get darker (not necessarily bigger). Well draining mix, drainage hole in container and not overwatering should help. Some marks look like mechanical damage - could be 'pokes' from plants next to it, from some debris flying (like broken branch), from pests nibbling, from plant falling and hitting something harder, and so on. I would consider also powdery mildew. It leaves scabs on the leaves. It is caused by fungus (I don't think it will kill the plant). IIRC, it gets worse in humid climate. There could be other fungal attacks (like anthracnose or some others - I am not sure how common or rare they are with succulents). Increasing air circulation around plants would be helpful (doesn't get rid of fungal disease, but it is helpful especially in high humidity). Edit to add: oedema - same as edema....