I don't know if this information will help, they love cold weather. They don't mind the snow, be sure to plant in the shade, or put pine needles on top to protect them. They take a lot of grooming, really you should remove the dead leaves too many bugs love to hid in them, when they decay they may rot, My friend in Fresno, covered the plants with black paper and burlap bag and put them on a north side of the house or wall during the summer months, so what I saying is that they are summer dormant, and winter growers, they are a lot of work. repot the end of Oct. and divide, or take off all of the runners that are hanging down. Put them in a separate flat of soil, give them away or plant under a tree for ground cover the first of when it starts getting hot cover them with pine needles again and put flats or dark paper or burlap bags over them again and repeat this again when necessary, when you water, give them a good soaking, They should grow tightly and it okay for them to color up.That is the beautiful feature, orange, purple, red. burgundy etc. Most have lovely flowers as well. Let us know how you do and offer your extra ones in the exchanges, they do great in Strawberry pots, dishgardens, with Gasteria and large winter growers instead of ground ncovers of volcanic rocks. With too much sun they will bolt and not look well at all. I feel I am leaving something out it's been a long time since I've had to care for them. They would love New York, New Jersy, Canada They love a forest, and will grow nicely in a cold rock garden. They can take over any pot of other plants. They grow very low to the soil. The rest of you please help me out here. Norma

As a provider here are some of my added suggestions... *Are they on a funded food program...they require healthy eating and records to prove it. *Do they allow children to bring thier own toys?.some don't *Do they require paid vacation? *Do they smoke...and about pets, are they current on all shots? *How often do they get to play outdoors? As far as my state, Kansas, we have strict guidelines to follow. I am a licensed in-home daycare but only have 4 kids, 2 being my own, and 1 part time/drop-in. I like to think of myself as a glorified stay-at-home-Mom :) Here are some of our requirements that you could keep an eye out for or ask about.. *Posted fire, tornado, flood and disaster plans and monthly drills recorded for fire and tornado *Posted license *Posted log of all children in care...like the times that they are there *Posted certificate from the Fire Dept. stating any problems or not *If they take your child anywhere off the property, they need to have a written permission slip for each time..and ask about car seats *I post a discipline policy *All meds need to be in a locked box and logs kept *Smoke detectors in rooms which children sleep in *Sleeping materials for nap need to be thick like a comforter or pad. *Children under the age of 18 months should be in a crib or play pen for naps *A clean diaper changing area *Electrical outlets covered *Ask about time allowed for tv, some people may just use it as a babysitter *Definately drop in unexpected if okay *Ask your child, if able, about their day *Ask everyone you can about the provider, call the state for information and your local SRS office, you can never know too much about the person you are allowing to help raise your child *Something that I personally think is important.. is the home clean? Not toys scattered as much, but ask to use the restroom and really see if it's clean when walking around *Another thing to ask is how often they sanatize toys *When you do choose a provider, in-home or a group, treat them well. Don't treat them like you know it all, some providers spend more time with the children than their own parents do..listen to them. Treat them like a friend and they will be more likely to love your child like thier own and respect you much more. Good Luck

Senosry activities are great at this age. Fill a small blow-up pool with water and dishwashing liquid and give each kid a straw & let them blow bubbles. The next week, fill it with small plastic balls and let the roll around in it. The next week, feel it with shredded, crumpled up paper and let them squirm in it. The next week, fill it with dry beans and rice and give them lots of cups to pour it with. The preschool where my older 2 kids went specialized in sensory play and they were so creative. They didn't do structured crafts, but everything was approached from a sensory perspecitve. Try to think that way for this age group and they will love it. Other things I remember from that school - when they are outside, give them big paintbrushes and buckets of water and let them "paint" the building. Give them buckets of soapy water and sponges and let them "wash" the windows. And, of course, PLAY DOUGH and rolling pins and cookie cutters is the #1 hit with that age.

I think I am going to hold out for Lady in Red. I don't know if it will be carried at High Country Roses next year so I may need to order it. They didn't carry it this year. Our yard is large and most of the sight lines are from a distance so the bigger blooms show up better. Also the large sprays of blooms clumped together. I keep trying to start a thread on Dick Koster but for some reason the website won't take it. Not sure if it is filtering out the name Dick. Interestingly enough the starts for Sally Homes also had ugly blooms. I bought it based on the blooms of the mature plant so never would have bought it if I had seen the pale pinkish whimpy looking ones I saw today. But it is an absolute stunner in my yard. So it just goes to show that you can't judge it based on the green house blooms. The Chuckles starts were absolutely stunning! The blooms were all brilliant neon pink. But in my yard they are always fried. If I didn't know it didn't do well in my yard I would have bought it again. :-) Nanadoll, Thanks I am thinking I should move it. Might put Dick Koster there in the shade but am unable to start a thread asking about it.