Thank you all so much for your generous praise! I couldn't have succeeded without your help. Richard, your advice is always so practical and spot-on. There are so many of your suggestions that I have adopted. They have increased my knowledge immensely. I feel that I have now graduated from newbie to veteran newbie! Toyo, I'm so impressed - 40 years of experience growing Catts. When I was twelve, I was trying to grow petunias from a packet of seeds - managed to produce two or three plants and thought myself lucky. My orchid obsession started with this phal. I'm still looking around, trying out different species, but I think I'm leaning towards catts and phals. Mehitabel, yes, I think the phal is smiling at me whenever I walk past. I love it even if it is the commonest one around, especially because it reminds me of the person who gave it to me. And yes, there are three spikes with about 20 buds all told. And I had to show off with the freesias in my window box - that's the only outside garden I have lol. Judy

I'd guess she prefers a warm climate, then, 'cause I've had mine for about 8 years and have no complaints. I do have a weakness for red/yellow blends, though, as evidenced by 2 Rio Sambas and 3 Autumn Splendor in one bed. The first JG I saw was some 6ft wide by about 3.5 ft tall. Mine has never gotten that wide probably due to tree roots.

Hey Kathleen and the rest, My ponds are doing well. Most everything is up and blooming. My raised pond is getting clearer thanks to h2o2. Magic stuff, that. We still have some fish so the herons and grackles haven't taken all of them. The toads have shut up their caterwauling, though I did practically stumble over two of the biggest toads I've seen. They were on the walk in a tight clinch, they should have been paying more attention. They're goners now. This afternoon there was a humongous dragonfly laying eggs in the ponds. It was one of those green ones and I have never seen such a large one. Gorgeous! Here's a not very good pic of one of the ponds. The sun was burning out all the color. That's Albert Greenberg standing high in the back. Here's a closer pic of Albert.

Alberta...yes, can't wait for SW to bloom for me and with all those fans Judy sent, I wouldn't be surprised to get lots of bloom this season. :) Chris...thank you, thank you, thank you....for not bidding against me on Manet!! LOL I'll return the favor..oh wait...I have. :) Aren't we all having fun...daylily folk are the best! Jan