Andy: You don't really say if this Mac seedling stuff is just a fun project for you and your daughter to share, or a serious attempt to grow out apple trees that would replicate McIntosh. If it's just for fun, I think it's a great idea, but it is not the way to grow apples, McIntosh or any other. Nearly all apples require cross-pollination to set fruit, which means that the next (seedling) generation will produce apples that are all over the map in size, flavor, and overall quality. Reversion to small, tart crab type apples is a common result. Nearly all apple trees sold these days are grafted to dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstocks that both limit their size and induce earlier fruiting of the trees. Seedling trees can grow quickly, and will ultimately result in very large trees -- on the order of 40 feet or more at maturity. At the same time, initiation of fruiting on seedling trees is significantly delayed. That means you may wait ten years or more for blossoms and fruit to appear, only to be seriously disappointed when you find the apples do not resemble McIntosh in any way. So you will have to have a lot of room and a lot of patience if you are to grow out these three little trees to the fruiting stage. By that time, your little daughter will be in college. So as long as your daughter is interested, you can grow out the trees in your yard, but don't let them become too large or you will have a hell of a time getting them out. And don't worry, you shouldn't have any problems with rapid growth, though no one will be able to tell you just how rapid. Do not try to do this indoors or in pots. Apple trees require the seasonal changes and dormancy that accompany outdoor growth. Meanwhile, if you want to grow apples on a tree that stands a good chance of bearing in 3-4 years in your climate, buy a nursery tree of the variety of your choice grafted to a dwarfing or semi-dwarfing rootstock. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

We have a heavy marine influence, with Summer water temps in the upper 40's to low 50's offshore, hence it stays quite cool at night. Add to that the elevation factor, and the McIntosh are heavily delayed in ripening - as are many other crops. Even Watsonville at sea level send their McIntosh to market no later than mid-September. Go inland to the other side of the mountains, and McIntosh ripens late August and early September. Another yummy Mac-like apple is Oliver (syn. Senator), similar flavor, but much darker red coloring, and maybe slightly more complex of a flavor.

just as bob mentioned you click start> all programs and at the top you click on windows updates, it takes you to the windows update site. It will scan your pc for what updates it needs, you will then be asked if you want custom or express, with custom you can read about each update prior to install this is how I always did it but express will just automatically install all critical updates. Either is fine, then it will install the selected updates. on that same page over on the left side I believe is a link for viewing your installed updates. Anytime your computer is scanned for windows updates it will find any that may have been accidentally missed like you think may have happened and they will be re offered as long as it is a critical update.

I would be reluctant to combine chinas or teas with DA's rubbing shoulders in a hedge. The vigor, growth patterns, shape, and leaf textures would not complement each other, not to mention the incongruous flower shapes & sizes. If it's due to lack of space, I recommend you focus on size versus color harmony, start your planting with the smaller growers and moving up to the larger shrubs incrementally. For example Hermosa is a smaller plant and would be overwhelmed placed next to a six footer. If you prefer accentuating the different sizes between varieties and want a cottage garden effect, using the right perennials or annuals in between will help tremendously in smoothing out the discordance and creating a pleasing rhythm.