Toni, Yes, what is more fun than plant shopping? Yes we had a very good time. I assume the Hoop House in NH may be heated? Not sure. They had both colors but we went for the Green Oxalis with the white flowers. The Hibiscus is for me...lol My friend can do the basics so I am trying to make it as easy as possible. I will be able to check on them, especially until he gets the hang of it. As for the help at Home Depot not knowing the info on the plants that are offered, it is so surprising. It’s not like they have to be horticulturists or have such a large variety of plant material. Plus there seem to me to be so many amateur gardeners that are actually shoppers there, you’d think they would try to hire someone like that to have some basic knowledge. It would make it more profitable for them, I would think. Well, we have four HD locally that I have visited, and one of three is better than the others. One is like the one you described. Marquest, yes, I was reminded in the HD that my friend had expressed a liking for Burro’s Tail at one point and they were small inexpensive plants. The Aloe was too cute to pass up and small. I think succulents are just the easiest, to take care of, so I really encouraged him to try a couple of small ones. Thanks for the warning on the Oxalis. It could go home for a few weeks break if need be. Mike, someone on GW recommended Lake Street to me about 3 years ago and I like their perennials, shrubs and selection of annuals. It’s about a 40 minute drive for me and closer than Logee’s in CT. I bought a very pretty variegated Jade Plant there last summer, while shopping for perennials for the garden. I was not sure houseplants were in ready supply, but they had some healthy selections and that is my #1 priority. I would go back. I have noticed they offer classes, although I haven’t found the time to do that. I haven’t been to the Chelmsford Mahoney’s. I see Weston Nurseries has a new location in Chelmsford, too. I got out that way once last summer. Here is the 'Lime Bearss Seedless'..... I'm sure you are right, Toni, that a grafted tree is the best way to go, but this is just an experiment really, to determine if my friend can provide the care. If it goes well, we would probably really enjoy getting a larger grafted plant. And you have me curious about the grafted plants that might be available. Very mysterious...(g)

Nucci, the only thing i did for protection with my windmill this past winter is covering with a large clear plastic bag. Since the palm dealt with zero degrees, all of the foliage burnt right down to the spear, but at least it didn't suffer spear pull, which probably gave it a head start. This past winter was the third winter in ground, and it has noticeably gained trunk height since planted 4 years ago. I moved it each summer in an attempt to find the best location for it, and I think I finally found it. Full sun, raised well draining location have helped to speed up its growth. In its old location it was only in part sun and only grew about 5 fronds a season, but so far this year, it has already grown 3, granted the first one was stunted, but 3 nonetheless. I see at least 8 fronds this summer as a definite possibility. As far as the basjoo, Yes, last year I did the leaf cage method then covered with a tarp. This past year I mulched, then put styrofoam boxes around the trunk, then piled paper yard waste bags filled with leaves around the stacked foam boxes, then covered all that with a tarp. I planted them in the same location, on a raised mound in full sun. The only thing i can think of is that the location is in the rear of the yard, which slopes down from the house, so maybe the raised mound is absorbing moisture from the low ground and therefore rotting the corm.

Contact a few good high end furniture retailers and ask them who they use. A few phone calls should quickly narrow it down.

In my area Rustoleum sells aerosol lacquers in various colors and finishes, including "clear, gloss." I do not believe that lacquer would stand up very long were the coal grate to be in use. Back in the old days, it was one of "Bridget's" chores to polish the brass as needed. Casey