Hi Lisa. I'm on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and although it is hot and humid here in the summer I think it's a little less torrid than it is down there. Last fall I planted two southern bayberry (Myrica caroliniensis) because they're native here and I knew they'd stand up to the humid heat. Mine are still young but are growing gangbusters. Those that I see growing wild by the side of the road can get to be a good 10'-12' tall and perhaps half to 2/3 as wide. I can't really comment on foliage drop due to lack of experience, although mine have experienced nearly none. We had a mild winter (only a week or so of 10 degrees; rest of the time in the 30s), over all, and mine came through with flying colors, hanging onto their leaves when other evergreens (like my inkberries and baby loblolly pines) suffered from wind burn. I don't plan to prune mine for height, as I want a privacy screen and a wind/dust break (next door neighbor likes to disk his property, creating clouds of dust). I know that they do well on our sandy soils (you mentioned that they grow well near your island home); do you have the infamous Georgia clay at your 1st home? If your drainage is good I imagine that they'll thrive. I think that they're terrific additions to our hedgerow!

Dipping tubers in wax was an acceptable, effective and common practice years ago but is not commonly used today. Thats where the idea for wrapping them in plastic wrap came from.

Hi Brenda, Sorry, the directions was in the August newsletter. I e-mailed them to see if I can get old directions. I haven't heard from them. But I did make a copy of the directions. They are easy to make. I just melted some wax (they said to keep the temp. at 155-175) Add vanilla or Ivory color. I used crayons. Then add some scent. Then dip your candles into the wax then roll them in cinnamon do that 4-6 times or till you get the look you like. They are addicting to make. I got candles at the $ store and Big Lots. Big Lots had some that are called a ultilty candle. They are 6 1/2" tall. They are .59 for 5 of them. I just saw a bundle of 3 of these at a craft store yesterday for 7.99. They also talked about dipping ornies, hang tags, stuffed hearts and stars, cinnamon sticks, dried apples and oranges. They also say be careful not to burn yourself. Have fun making these, Cheri

This is my recipe and I make them often during the winter. I use Kosher gelatin which I buy from a company in New York in bulk. VERY $$$ but for my business it has to be certified Kosher or I can't sell it. Butter, for greasing & confectioners' sugar, for coating 2 tablespoons gelatin 1/2 cup cold water 2 cups granulated sugar 3/4 cup boiling water 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1. Butter an 8x8-inch square baking dish. Line with waxed paper, then butter waxed paper, and lightly coat with confectioners' sugar. 2. Disolve gelatin in cold water, in the bowl of a stand mixer, using whisk attachment. 3. In a large saucepan, over medium high heat, whisk together granulated sugar, boiling water and salt; bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Stop whisking, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until a thermometer reads 236 degrees F. 4. Pour syrup slowly over gelatin. Add vanilla extract, and beat on medium speed, for 20 minutes, or until thick and cool. 5. Butter a spatula, and scrape marshmallow cream into prepared dish; smooth the surface. Freeze overnight, then remove waxed paper from dish, lifting out marshmallow. Peel waxed paper off, then cut into squares, on a cutting board, using a buttered-sharp knife. Lightly dust marshmallows with additional confectioners' sugar. 6. Makes 36 mallows (This depends on how big you cut them) I've used other flavors and dipped them in chocolate 24 hours after they've set even when they've been covered with sugar. As they dry u the sugar absorbs and creates a kind of skin. The chocolate sticks fine to that.