It may clear some fears; On Mon, Aug 22, 2011 at 1:17 PM, Charles Barnhoorn (Hadeco) wrote: Hello Arif, Cucumber mosaic virus is not so common in Hipps. Leaves show large yellow concentrated rings and stripes. Also affects many other kinds of bulbs and other plants. More common is Hippeastrum mosaic virus (symptoms: yellow streaking with alternating patterns of light and dark green) and Tomato Bronze Virus (circles, white marks and streaks and wavy erratic leaf shape) All are transmitted by aphids, thrips etc mostly while in flower. Generally only transmitted by insects or mechanical damage. Causes some general weakening of the plant although this is usually only noticeable after a few seasons. Bulblets will also be affected. Kind regards, Charles Thank you Charles, Am I correct to understand that, an affected mosaic virus bulb will continue to bloom for some time and will also produce bulb lets which will have the disease but will mature to bloom. In short it would be like a genetically weak breed having short blooming life. Arif Arif, Essentially, yes that is correct. Many growers around the world maintain stocks of virus infected plants because the effects are usually quite minimal. Our belief however is that it is better to have best quality and clean stocks and so we ensure that virus is not present. Kind regards, Charles

remontant, Thank you for going to view Charlie's Memorial page and you kind condolences. He was my gardening buddy and everything else companion. We did almost everything together. As to the Garden Phlox: The first year they put down roots and a good base. They are perennials after all. So don't expect anything too spectacular the first year. But the second year - watch out! You will be in for a treat. Both your eyes and nose will be happy you planted them. Just one sniff and they cause me to break into a smile. I can't help myself. Fannick Phlox They bloom continuously through the summer and are still blooming here well into October. In fact, they love hot days and cool nights. In October, my flowers all give it their last hurrah for the year and everything is in bloom. May and October are my gardens two best months. Warm days and cool moist nights - all my flowers love that combination. Although Phlox are "drought tolerant" they do suffer from lack of water (or too much water). Just make sure you water them from the bottom when you do so you don't introduce Powdery Mildew from the soil splashing up on them. City water or even rural treated water can burn their leaves - it's the chlorine. So soak their roots down deep and thoroughly once in awhile. Allow them to dry out in between waterings. When it is hot out, water in the mornings only so they will not be damp at night. This introduces fungus and mildew as well. Phlox, Nicky I never fertilize mine. You can add a little compost around their base if you wish, about three or four times during the summer, depending upon the quality of your soil. But honestly, I have them doing just fine on their own in the farthest reaches of my property without any help from me other than watering them when we don't get any rain. The Butterflies love them. And you cannot beat their fragrance. It fills the air in my garden. It is pure D Yummy! (D = Delicious. That was what Charlie said about their fragrance (hahaha). Combine them with fragrant roses and you will think you are in the Garden of Eden. Phlox paniculata davidii 'David' I would say Garden Phlox are the backbone flowers in my gardens. I have more of them than any other flower. They are especially lovely with roses and daylilies and oh, yes, Coneflowers. I love fragrance and colors in my garden, and therefore those four are my "mainest" flowers I grow. Old-Fashioned Purple Garden Phlox Best wishes in growing them. ~Annie

KarenMO, I got them at Oriental Trading. It's a big outlet used by elementary teachers for classroom treats and rewards. Link is below. I got 2 bags last year right after Valentine's Day and and two bags this year, at the end of January. I see they are on sale now. Go for it. Here is a link that might be useful: Foam bead conversation hearts

I'm working on a web site now and putting together samples of many cabinet styles and butcher block tops. I won't put up the web site until those are finished. The piece pictured above is an older piece I had sitting around. The newer version has slightly different proportions. The top is thicker, as are the slats and bottom rails. Also, the finish is different. There are many different configurations: closed cabinets; open pot racks on one end or both; cantilevered top for seating, etc., in many different finishes and styles. You can basically get anything you want. My email is johndisanto@earthlink.net. I'll answer your questions from there.