Robert Geneve writes extensively about grape hyacinths in A Book of Blue Flowers, but I know what you mean about the relative lack of prose in regards to these spring blooming bulbs. They aren't praised nearly enough by horticultural writers. The flowers really are true blue in color and the bulbs are easy as pie to grow, tolerant of both sun or shade. Last autumn I planted them underneath a white river birch tree in my front yard. Dry and shady growing conditions yet the first week of April I had a thick carpet of brilliant cobalt blue blossoms that lasted for four weeks. The contrast between the snowy white bark of the birch and the azure grape hyacinths was very striking. In terms of color purity and intensity only my Endless Summer hydrangeas can match them (my soil is heavy clay and soundly acidic). Design wise the size and shape of the flower clusters have a fey like quality that really adds a note of magic and mystery to that spot. IMHO they are a must have for lovers of blue flowers. Here is a link that might be useful: A Book of Blue Flowers at Amazon.com

I know this is a belated message but i share your pain. I don't have a dog but i have kids and cats. I did a couple hundred cuttings of various things, mostly lavander and rosemary and sedums. I went to Oklahoma for 9 days to be with 5 day old grandson. Came home and ALL the cuttings were dead. nobody watered ( i had asked them too. they missed all the cuttings) the cats walked on the flats. disassembling alot of them. SO.... I redid all my cuttings. I got called out to do disaster relief in galveston for 2 weeks. after 4 days of being gone i called to find out no one had watered my greenhouse at all. inside or out. it was supposed to rain. well, rain doesnt go in the greenhouse!! I did lose a few cuttings but not too bad. I redid them again!! I have a small home nursery and am trying to prepare for next season and its getting difficult. Hopefully, i wont be going anywhere soon. I do get to pot up a bunch that are ready now. Tanya

Ebb Tide looks lovely but not even close to the dark purple mine had. I also have Blue Mist and love its foliage. My Mrs. Woods Lavender Pink Noisette is unfortunately gone; Noisettes just don't do well for me, but its flowers at their best are truly lovely. Burgundy Iceberg is a real workhorse for me, and I wouldn't be without it. My favorite "flower" of all is Juliet, your darling little dog. I want to hug and kiss her! Ingrid

I have a Kenmore Trio Elite. I purchased in in 2003. I love this thing and would not have anything else. Due 2 the fact that this was a brand new item, I did purchase the service contract. No 1 sold them back then. I have not had 1 problem with it and it is working fine. If U entertain a lot, this is the best thing ever. I was going 2 buy a SZ and I helped some 1 with a party and her SZ was worthless. I had brought over 30 cookie sheets, full of appetizers and there was no way that the SZ would hold them. Counter top depth is not what U think when U need the space. The trick is 2 use your shot glass collection U picked up in college, and place 1 in each corner of the cookie sheet. U R able to stack and stack and place the cookie sheets, front 2 back and it will hold everything. I have many shot glasses! LOL 5 of my friends whom have seen my fridge have purchased them in various brands. They all love them. 4 those of U that don't know, the FD is not new. My parents had 1 in the 60's. It was a Frigidare Gallery Series, FD. It was shorter as I could rest my chin on it and I am 6'. It was also not as wide, It was a great! Today's FD holds much more.