Tmac, I've found that even my Bucks that make it through the winter quite well benefit from a serious pruning, as it seems to stimulate the production of bigger basal breaks (i.e. new canes). I remove all the twiggy growth, as those stems will never be strong enough to produce or hold a good size bloom. I check the base of the stems very carefully, because it isn't uncommon to see lots of beautiful green cane, but signs of splitting at the base (i.e. canker). If that is the case, I cut below the split, because those canes will never be really healthy, even if they are green and have nice white pith in the middle. If there's no sign of canker/splitting, and all the twiggy growth is removed, I then just shape the bush into a nice form, removing at least a third of the length of the canes to stimulate new growth.

Oh My: DJM you are THE most dedicated of them all "Let's just stop at the PO on our way to the hospital...." Only a true Garden Webber would utter such words. I hope all is well. A thrombosis in no laughing matter; note the attention long distance flying is getting recently. You all move your toes and legs, exercise your muscles while sitting on those long flights or you'll be at risk. Djm if the trips to the lab daily are difficult ask your doctor to make a referral to Visiting Nurse, assuming you have that, usually every county has a VNS/ Public Health Nurse service. They will come to you, grab your blood, get it to the lab, and talk with the doctor about dosages. Could be a big time/energy saver for you. Just a thought. Hope you stay well! Poochella

Hello all, It looks like everyone had a great valentine swap. Great boxes everyone. My surgery went well and I am recovering quickly. Still not allowed to do much. The doc said you can return to your normal routine but don't push, pull, or pick up any thing over 5 pounds so hey, whats left. Normal????? I am trying desperately to be good. I am doing mostly computer work at the nursery trying to get my website and ebay store ready for opening soon. I have a friend that is helping me with heavy labor and I am getting to boss him around so that is nice :O) LOL. I got in a huge order of plants today and had to get them all ready for the cold snap, so I have been busier than I wanted to but all is going well. The hardest part will be not over doing it before time. Thanks for all the inquiry's. One thing I wanted to mention was the fact that a couple days ago I came home and found a box in my front yard. It was from our sweetheart Jo. She said that I had the most votes from those that chose to vote for the best xmas box. I was floored when I opened it. It contained the most beautiful throw. It is made of fleece material and is reversible with red daylilies on one side and a beige/green fleece on the backside. It is sooooo cool as it is not sewn but cut on the edges and tied together every inch or so. Never seen one made like it and it is sooooo warm and cozy, and soooo pretty. My yorkie has been fighting me for it ever since it came! Also in the box was a beautiful hand made (of course from Jo) angel. It is sitting on my mantle right now. She also included a nice corn bag. Just pop in the microwave and place on a sore or tired muscle for instant relief. Very nice. It has been quite handy the last couple days for my abdomen. Thanks sooooo much Jo. My camera stuff is still at work so I haven't taken pics yet but I will and I will show everyone the wonderful suprise gifts that I recieved. Thanks so much Jo for your generosity and thoughtfullness and thank you all for the votes that I never expected. It was a beautiful surprise. I also gave my notice to my job. My last day will be the 28th officially even though I can't really return anyway for atleast 6 weeks. I have left my position to focus full time on getting the nursery open. My open date is still March 18th. Hope I can recover and get everything done in that amount of time. It will be close enough what ever I get done. My career has changed, I am now an unemployed/self employed nursery owner. I finally got my license and all the other paperwork done and I am on a new road. Anyway guess that catches me up. I am guessing that I will be out of the corner in april so I hope to get back in the loop then. Take care Tanarae

Hey Casey, Any Jimmy Buffet. Also, the one that gets me for too many reasons to explain is "Dock on the Bay" by Otis Redding. You have so many great suggestions here from folks. Good luck with your downloads! PS LOVE your photos and site of the day - I check those first every day. I don't always have time for other threads but I visit those two regularly.