I have several masde's. I have been trying potting techniques for about the last 6 months. Kind of a modification of the way you would grow in S/H. 1/2 Lava rock, 1/2 spag in a clear plastic container. I have some with drainage holes in the bottom (higher than normally recommended, almost 1/2 way up) and some without. The "without holes" style really keeps it moist. It also allows for them to "reach their roots down" for water as the spag begins to dry. I also do this with open plastic baskets. I bottom water/ top water alternatively the "with holes style" and open basket Its worked out quite nicely. I have a little masde that is in spike now. Last count 12 spikes. Looks like there may be a few more on the way. The others have produced a good amount of new growth. Looks like they are also getting ready to spike. Clara

You're right, Lorna. I now know that Hawaii is definitely a different (and amazing) place. Annette - I don't know what kind of lavender it is. I just thought it looked great, and knew that this audience would appreciate it. And, yes, another week would have been just about right. Nancy - It was indeed pretty great. FlowerLady - Hawaii did remind me a lot of Florida, except, as you said, for the flatness. The rainy side of Maui was lush and jungle-like, which I haven't seen in Florida, though it may exist somewhere. Also, at least while we were there, we had a constant breeze, day and night, which made the warmth and humidity very easy to take. Martha - I will be very happy to make do with those things, although you did scare me a little when you wrote web fiends. Probably a typo, right? ...Martha? ...Right? Vikki - Have a great time in Canada. You will have a fantastic experience at the Butchart Gardens. And Hawaii the next year? Absolutely! Thanks for helping me identify those flowers. Patti - I'm really glad you liked my pictures. They do look a lot like paradise, don't they? The trip was definitely one for the scrapbook (figuratively speaking, I don't really do scrapbooking.) Thank you all for your welcome and friendly comments. ThinMan

Prediction had no issues until we had high heat and then the cool down. It takes later in the morning before it opens fully on those cool mornings. I've also noticed those plants with many buds tend to open better once the first few open and are eliminated. I'm hoping CRH opens many on hotter days as taking pics later in the morning has me competing with the sun for good photos. We've had an extraordinary amount of rain this year. At least 2 rainy days per week which I think is contributing to the intense colors. Add in the cooler than normal mornings.

Hi everyone!!! I REALLY miss posting here, hopefully I'll be able to visit with you all again soon! blooms4me, the address I have for Michelle is the one given above and should be the most current, as I have spoken to her within the last few days. SeaSidePlumeria@cfl.rr.com She should get back to you within just a few days. Welcome to the forum, we're glad to have you!!! I'm one of your fellow Texans - I'm just barely south of Austin in Kyle. Looks like you're doing a great job there and I LOVE the yellow streaks on that one bloom!