Thanks for the info on geranium sporting. I thus christen this geranium "peppermint deeprootsii". Re: the CA buckeye - on bike rides in the foothills, I noticed the pods (good word for them) by the side of the road in great profusion. I believe they show up in November or December typically, that time of year more or less. Since they sprout where they land (if they don't dry out too much or get eaten by squirrels or run over by car tires) I initially tried to mimic those conditions by just placing a pod in a pot of soil. This was not successful. What I discovered is you need to find pods that are putting out this white tap root which they will typically do most often if they are near a creek or rivulet by the side of the road and the weather is wet or has been very wet recently. The white tap root comes out as the pod cracks open and the tap root bends and seeks soil. You can take a little soil with the pod if the tap root is already anchored. Just gather these pods up and set them individually in your pot of soil and protect them from squirrel depredations for the first year as squirrels see the pod and will grab it if they can, and the success rate is very high. After the first year or 2 the pod degrades and you get a good trunk and the squirrels will then leave these plants alone. I currently have 5 little trees. The key is: White tap root emerging from pod = easy as pie.

Larry Grace does well here (said with fingers crossed because now having said that publicly, it might refuse this year...hehe)...sorry about your problems with it, Edward. Of course, I do have to kid you a bit...I mean, after all, Larry Grace is a southern guy, you know... Beautiful pictures! I'm in love with your bench back there...I think neat benches can really make a garden (as one who does not have a neat bench...but, maybe I will one of these days!)... I'm so eager for blooms (lots of blooms) but will have to make do with pics from those that have lots going on...

Chris (maximus)has been an enabler with Berma Abercrombie when she posted pics of hers so I went and got 4 fans from Robin Calderon.It is increasing like a rabbit here and I counted 10 scapes this morning on it. Last year I got several from Judy and they haven't skipped a beat with our long cold winter. I didn't count fans on What's Up Down South. I started with a double fan and I am guessing it just doubled to 4 fans with 3 scapes. Nice tall scapes and no leaning. Ribbit Ribbit was a gift from Judy and I'm more than happy with its performance here. Started with double fan and it is now at 5 fans with 5 scapes.. Also nice and tall with no leaning. Julia

Your Persian Ruby looks nothing like mine. As Mantis said, are you sure it's PR? But you were successful at capturing the coloration of Smoky Mountain Autumn which is just such a beautiful flower. I have always loved Barbara Mitchell and it will always have a prominent place in my garden. Mine just blooms and blooms and never has any issues. There is something so pleasing about it's soft coloration.