These spectacular butterflies (largest in NA) will only use certain plants in the Rutaceae family. This includes all citrus as well as such plants as prickly ash, Hercules club, hop tree, and others. I grow seedling citrus expressly to enjoy the life cycle so I can speak with experience when I say that even one of these interesting caterpillars can do some damage to a SMALL tree. It's a big guy.....they eat a lot. I can also tell you that they have many natural enemies....birds, wasps (who will actively seek and hunt for caterpillars amongst the foliage), assassin bugs, mantids, and more. Have you 'petted ' that caterpillar, yet? You've got to do that!

Hello Everyone, Sorry to get back to the party late!!! : ) I have been out working and the days get longer after being on vacation!!! Especially when one works a 12 hr day!!! Yikes, it gets hard to adjust back into the swing of things!!! Mike, I do use the Gritty Mix on my Citrus, C & S and most of all my young Plumeria as well as my DR's. Using this mix has really allowed me to become relaxed at watering without the fear of over watering. Some of you know that i travel for my job which takes me away for several days at a time. I may have a trip that last for 4 days. Before i leave on a trip that long i always make sure my trees are watered and when i return i water again when i get home. When i do have multiple days off, i have just used the same method that Josh uses and i know what the containers feel like and how the foliage looks. Usually, i will wait for a couple of days after i water and then check my plants visually and also check them by feeling the mix as well as lifting the pot to feel how it weighs . Sounds funny, but i do know what each one should feel like with the proper amount of moisture. Even if i want to give them more, i really dont worry because i know that they wont have excess water retention in the containers with this particular mix. My pots are lifted and when i water, i water a little and then while im watering other plants i go back and give them a little more. The excess water does drain out into a plastic plate which the containers are setting on plastic water caps. I use four per container. The excess water stays in the plates and i let it evaporate in the plates. I had every intention of using the Skewers at first, but i never really needed them. Some use them and i think its a great tool to use to see if your trees are dry or moist. My trees (Plumeria) have different watering needs. So as i look over my plants and trees everyday, i feel them and check them as i make the inspection..lol It is a relaxing way for me to unwind when i get home from work. You know how it can be crazy at work for me!!! : ) I just dont worry anymore about watering them. They usually get watered every two days, but some are different. I have a few trees that like to be watered everyother day. Some are watered every four days.. some weekly. It is like they all have different personalities!!! The Plumeria get watered if active this time of year maybe every other week. It is all about the individual plants and their needs. Hope this makes sense!!! Josh, Thanks for your watering techniques...it sounds like we water the same way!!! I really think one becomes aware what the plant or tree needs. I always check on the trees that like alot of water first. This does include my Citrus and my special other trees. Hope all is well in CA!!! Cant wait to see pics of your Ponderosa Lemon!!! I will prune the top of my tree this spring. : ) Toni, Thank you for the nice compliments on my trees. I cant believe how many blooms i have on the Murraya Paniculata either!! It really has put on a show for me and it has all sorts of pods growing.. The Varigated Maya is doing great... Im so excited about this Plumeria. Remember when you asked me about whether i had a Varigated one or not? Well, my girlfriend had purchased one for me before then and had it sent to her house to give to me for CHristmas!!! I was so surprised!!! This is my first Varigated Plumeria and i am really happy with this one!!! The leaves are so beautiful when they appear, they have this pink hue that i cant stop staring at them. I just need to watch being a "mother hen" on this particulat tree and leave it alone!!! : ) I hope you had a wonderful New Year and that everyone continues to stay healthy and happy!!! Think Spring!! I hope this helps MIke... Take care and tell Sissy hello for me!!! I will send Greg an email to see about his tree... Take care, Laura

Judy Jay Rhiannon is the name of a Celtic spirit and we got it from the Fleetwood mac song Rhiannon. It is pronounced Ree-an-non. DH and I were teachers at the time and that was one of the few names we could come up with that didn't bring up memories of other kids. Nicole, Peyton might look older but she is such a munchkin, she only weighs 25 pounds at 2 and a half. She is just a minature little munchkin. I think that it is her big brown eyes that make her look so mature:) Stacie

tkaye - Unfortunately this greenhouse is no longer made. It was made by the PBM-GROUP. The last time they made it was 2003. I got it used and had to replace a third of the glass panels. Check Craigslist for used ones or if you have a Harbor Freight close by they sell greenhouses for a very reasonable price. It is a kit that you put together. Check out the GW Greenhouse Forum. It is a great place to get information on buying and using a greenhouse. Good luck. Clare Here is a link that might be useful: Harbor Freight greenhouse