The heather ia a gonner. The pansies/violas need a trim and might last a few more months. The euonymous and the ivy could stay in the pot a couple of years more. The ivy doesn't look like a very intersting cultivar so I would not bother to keep it after it's outgrown the pot. The euonymous will be happy going into the ground. If you plant it near a wall it will start to climb, but much slower than ivy. It will not need any special attention or amendments. They are bone hardy and very unfussy.

Sincere apologies, everyone!! As I explained in my original post, I couldn't find it, thought it didn't post, so duplicated in error. Sorry! :( Lynn T

These two posts on this forum have lots of great ideas. http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/christmas/msg102046164996.html?20 http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/christmas/msg100715389926.html Shirley has a great site with great ideas too. http://www.craftsayings.com And then there's always my humble little site. http://www.angelfire.com/mac/crafts Check them out and enjoy!! Hope you don't mind me asking but is there anyway you can post a picture of your display rack or if not somehow describe it to us? I also sell these and have something set up but I'm always looking for better ways to display things.TIA

You don't say if your classmate has had other children, but I'm going to assume no. In that case, her home may not have some of the customary things that accumulate with children - board games, craft supplies, markers, crayons, etc. I really think some board games might be great - it will give the new family some time to sit together and get to know each other, while having fun. A craft box of markers, crayons, glues, craft scissors, glitter, paper, felt, etc. will give a young girl and her mom many hours of fun. Her new home will need some refrigerator art! I also think an inexpensive camera (maybe get disposables) and a photo album might be a good gift. The young girl might like to record the first days of her new family life, create new memories for herself. If the disposables are successful, then Mom and Dad can get her a real camera for Christmas/Hanukah. When you said a 10-year old girl being adopted, I immediately thought of the Anne of Green Gables books, although I think the reading level be higher than a 10-year old. The complete Harry Potter books might be great - then the new family can read them out loud together. But I do think a nice collection of classic books might be a wonderful retreat for someone who is adjusting to a new life. Whatever you do will be greatly appreciated. It warms your heart to see a new family get started, doesn't it?