Blutarski, that's odd. The reason I say it's odd is, IL's planting time used to be April 15th. Sometime in the last 10 years, they changed planting dates from Apr 15th to May 15th. A whole month later. I like your time better. LOL Green there was Snow in July??? Wow, that must have ruined the 4th of July party. What do you mean, the bottom dropped out? You set out Epicias? That's scary. They dote on warmth. How are they doing? When I think of LA, heat and humidity come to mind. You guys grow citrus and palsm year round. Lucky you. Chandres. Has spring arrived in VA? I would think VA has much shorter winters than we do, yes/no? When electric goes, nothing works. I bought an old-fashioned phone w/cord so we have phone service when electric goes. No tv, computer, lights, HEAT, (have to worry about birds) oven and stove. Burners can be lit w/a match, but it's a pain. Did you mean to say, you're in the country, your mom's in the city? You have service when she doesn't? Living in the city, you'd think it worked the other way around?? Josh, which state are you in? If you don't mind me asking. Zones 7/8 is pretty warm, short winters, long summers. Even though it's been cold here, Snow Crocus, Tulips and Hyacinth have sprouted. Several years ago I planted an Alum, think that's its name, that does great in cold, but as soon as temps heat up, (over 75) that poor plant goes dormant, but resprouts in last autumn, when temps cool. I'd love seeing it grow its full height plus flower. Since we've had it, it's never once flowerd, but leaves are so pretty. Variegated. It's not as warm as yesterday, even cooler tomorrow. According to the WC, it's going to drop a few degrees each day, then back to 70's Monday. I set two plants out front. Geraniums and tree Gardenia. I'm considering setting out a Key Lime, too. It depends on temps...if they don't drop under 40-45, all 3 will stay out 24/7. Thanks, and Happy Spring!!! Toni

My old Pink Peace and Candy Stripe were Week's bare roots I bought back in the mid 1980s. The "good old days", when there were nurseries all over the Los Angeles area who still sold them BARE in boxes of saw dust. Week's even produced Radiance budded and bare root in those days. Other than rust and an occasional bout of mildew, they were beautiful roses. If you like stripes, also take a look at Banner, the striped sport of Charlotte Armstrong. Like a huge striped Camellia with prickles and Charlotte's mildew. Modern Times is the striped sport of Better Times, a famous old florist rose out of Columbia. If you can find Red and White Glory or Candy Stick, they are identical to Modern Times. Columbia sported to Briarcliff, named for the greenhouses who introduced it. Briarcliff sported further to Better Times, named in hopes that the more marketable color would lead to better times. When Better Times sported to stripes, they named it in honor of Charlie Chaplin's movie, "Modern Times". Red and White Glory/Candy Stick also sported from Better Times, only decades later for J. Benjamin Williams. After growing both for many years side by side, it was obvious they are identical. Kim Here is a link that might be useful: Modern Times

this is directed to carolyn rather than about wes. i did not know that weather can alter fruit shapes. i thought that was just a plant controlled function. carolyn, you are at times a hard person to read. remember the time i referred to you (at the other place) as a great "ole or old" gal/lady/cookie can't recall the exact wording. i was not sure if you were joshing with me or if you really took umbridge by the term (of endearment) ole or old but i am pretty sure i said old. you countered something to the effect that you resented being called old. it is hard on these forums without hearing a voice or seeing body language how something is meant at times. so... this is why i was a bit uncertain how you'd respond to me, me (!), telling you (the expert and truly so) that you are wrong! :) so i feel good by how you replied :) i certainly was not trying to challenge your knowledge. as to retirement, i really don't wish to wake up at 3:56 am any more!!!! just for revenge (!) today i kept rolling over and i finally woke up at 7:58 am! when i sleep late on a weekend, i get up at 6:30 am but usually i get up around 6 am or earlier. frankly, at this point, i will wake up and get up (even 4 am if i want to) when i want to because this is one of many reasons why i retired :) it is SO liberating to be able to do what i want when i want! i will have a lot of time in aug and sept to attend to ALL the garden work so this season will be a cupcake compared to all the past seasons! thanks for your congrats! tom

Sharon, good to hear Bay Pines has improved. Never heard very good things about them until lately. Must have a new director. We go to the Gainesville VA and that's why I won't move back to Pinellas. We are so happy with the care DH gets there. Only gripe is they're slow as molasses and our 9:00 appointment more often than not will actually take place at 11 or after. GRRRR! I know you can get copies of his DD214, so fill out that form for him and send it in. I'm surprised he doesn't have one, but it's no problem. I hope he lives to 100, but at some point (we outlive the men, right?), you will need it. Doctors aren't always right, so don't give up hope. ((((Sharon & DH))))