Well it's not as simple as just getting a $3 flyscreen put in as the sliding door I have is broken and does not close completelty. I would have to add a new skirting board alongside the sliding door so I think it would be a more complex thing than just putting a flyscreen up. I need access to my small balcony which, overlooking the bushlands and the mosquito swamps themselves, I write magnificent prose such as this. I still think the dragonflies arn't such a bad option. I just don't know where to get them. I'll feed them and such so I can make them live for a year and then I'll breed them down at the swamps and make a handy profit. Tom Sawyer couldn't have come up with something as genius as this.

I have heard of some tubers surviving the winter in that zone when planted right next to the house with a southern exposure and a mild winter, but that is a rare exception. Most of us in the colder climates dig our tubers after first frost, and store inside until spring. Others just treat them as annuals, and buy new ones at local club auctions every spring. There are 'hardy gladiolus,' which never seem to grow for me in zone 5... Perhaps that is what you saw in a catalog and confused for dahlias. Here is a link that might be useful: Fundamentals of Growing Dahlias, ADS

Here's a lttle info for those of you interested in plumerias. I have to agree as well that larger cuttings (6" or longer) is your best bet to get good results. I've been growing plumerias for a couple of years now and have had much success. I'm fortunate I guess to live in somewhat of a "greenhouse" here in FL., so that does help and it's nice that the plumerias don't require a lot of attention. The west side of our backyard is lined with them and due to the lack of rain and winds (and hurricanes-Thank God) this summer-they're growing tall and flowering. Enough of this...ok, if anyone out there is looking for a reputable seller of plumerias (at least 45 different varieties!) and other exotic and unusual plants-check out this site...........www.alohatropicals.com. They ship Priority mail from Oceanside, CA. I purchased a "Paul Weissich" plumeria (coral colored flowers that are supposed to smell like fresh peaches) and a Stephanotis Floribunda (Hawaiian flower sometimes used in wedding bouquets, similar to jasmine but even more intoxicatingly fragrant) and the box arrived today and both plants are very happy. The plumeria is about 12" tall with 4 healthy leaves. Both were shipped in their own pots and I think will do well. Another site to check out is........www.tropicalfruit.com. The name of the place is Jene's Tropicals here in St. Pete. If they don't have what you're looking for, they'll try and find it for you. I've never had anything shipped from them-just went by and purchased. Everything is top notch and thriving. Just wanted to pass this along. Anyone know of a local nursery that carries a variety of plumerias near zip 33710? The only varieties I see around here in yards are the pink, white w/yellow interior and the deep red. Any suggestions? Sorry to go on and on-I love plumerias too!

These are from Quorum. Similar but a little less inside the globe