Tlbean, now I know the tree you are talking about. I've seen them at biltmore estate and thought about planting one, but I would rather buy locally than mail order. I guess top on my list of redbuds would be Cercis Canadensis 'Floating Clouds', it's a really nice variegated cultivar. I'm also on look out for 'rising sun', 'merlot', and 'ruby falls'.

Want to expand your z5 semitropical and "tropical" options? Indiana Rick's website is inspirational! So many usefulul ideas there. I agree don't give up until you've tried it 3x and tested some tricks! Hardy Tropicals for Zone 5 !!!!! http://www.manchestergardenclub.com/rick/Tropicals/Tropicals.htm ________ Mulched here now in my more "gentle" z8b, until I have a backup clump stored to go "cold turkey". No the impressive Canna 'Durban" = 'Tropicanna' doesn't throw lower red spires! That's a compact Lobelia 'Starship Red' which has nice contrasting rich green leaves. This Cardinal Flower was easy to grow from seed* (as are Canna) and gets the hummingbirds darting all around to enhance the tropical theme. I like L. 'Vulcan Red' as well to for contrast. Dark maroon leaved and also more compact than L. 'Queen Victoria' with no staking needed. * After using many over the years, the best seed starting method that I've used over the years is a biodome and sponge block system or similar. Works best with heatmats and bright plant light. Effective, efficient, durable, flexible, and small footprint. http://forums2.gardenweb.com/discussions/4412727/looking-for-a-reliable-seed-starting-system

Well, I try to avoid reading those wish lists, since they tend to make my own wish list longer. As I try to restrict myself to solid colored hostas, and some streakers for breeding purposes, this is what I have ordered so far: Arctic Blast Barbara May Cherry Tart Chishima Iwa Clovelly Empress Wu Fluted Fountain Fujibotan Glorious Hacksaw Hyuga Urajiro Marrakech Neptune Maya Swingtime Montana ÂGinrei Purple Boots Purple Haze Red Dragon Ruffed Up Sahara Nights The RazorÂs Edge Totally Twisted I'm also always looking for species or any plant collected in the wild I don't have yet. Love from the Hosta Mill, Rob

Congrats to those that are done already! Wow! You guys are fast! perennialfan273 - I'm glad your mom is not in pain right now. Yah, I've heard, too, that sometimes there are numerous surgeries when it comes to the back. I'm praying this is the only one she needs as well. (((HUGS))) Thanks for the update. Suzanne (hibiscusfan) - I got your update tonight. Please, always double-check to make sure I didn't mess anything up. I remember a request from you awhile back and thought I got it. I'm sorry if I overlooked it! I sure hate to make mistakes, but I'm not perfect yet for some reason. LOL I'm relieved we don't have to mail until November 25th, too! We're heading out of town again on Tuesday. It's busy, busy... Blessings, Angela Here is a link that might be useful: NEW All Player Compiled Want List Page (updated 10-25-09)