Dear Friends, The tree in this thread grew from a cutting I brought back from Maui about 8 years ago. I've kept it alive and reasonably well even in this relatively-cold clime, though it has been plagued, each winter, by spider mites. Due to the climate and the mites, it has only bloomed once, long ago. Then last year the branch was broken that gave rise to this thread and the things I've learned here have helped me make my plumeria a much happier plant. The result is that it is blooming! In addition, I have two cuttings, both of which are putting out new leaf spikes (though I've seen no roots yet and am following directions until I do). So I wanted to share them with you, who have done so much to help make it happen. Thanks again for your time and energy and knowledge and encouragement! If ever we should meet, I shall pour a glass of my homemade pineapple mead for you! Thanks Again and Aloha!

Well, I looked it up. It seems that sulfur is the most common product for dusting the rhizomes. Other recommended products are lime, "bulb dust", and bleach. Here's more than you ever wanted to know about iris dividing and general cultivation: http://www.ianrpubs.unl.edu/epublic/pages/publicationD.jsp?publicationId=821 http://www.farm-garden.com/perennials/bearded_iris http://www.gertens.com/learn/howtos/alphabetical/ah/dividingperennialsinthefall http://www.au.gardenweb.com/forums/load/peren/msg0807001617668.html http://guernsey.osu.edu/master-gardeners/midsummer-care-of-bearded-iris http://www.irisgarden.org/irisculture3.html http://www.rossde.com/garden/garden_divide_iris.html

Our decks were built last Feb and were left to weather until just a few days ago. That original lovely red fades to a dull tan/grey pretty quickly. I chose to use a wiping stain from woodrich (Amaretto is the color I chose) and I think the stain really brings out and enhances the natural color of the Ipe. I don't have any pictures of it for you but the wood looks very much like the pics that you will see if you just look for the Amartto stain and Ipe on your browser...or go the Woodrich site. I am REALLY impressed. As I was staining them I stopped often and just gazed in awe of what was happening before my eyes! I know this sounds a bit goofy but it's true. I am very pleased with the decision to move in this direction. I am sure there are more experienced voices that will share their opinions with you too. Good luck. Jay

Its not really necessary at all,Steve never puts it on.It is something I recomend. For me and my Outfit is a very easy way to gard the fresh ipe from the water escaping from the green pt framing lumber in the first few important weeks of new construstion. Using the 490 hevay bodied adhesive also evens out the bad milling common to framing lumber in a small way. Using that material is one of the reasons I dont have yo yo calls on my projects on the subject of cupping while using 1x6 ipe. By no strech am I saying it is nessecary. In fact if you would love to avoid it, just avoid it. J.