As an owner of a Cub Cadet CC-500, I can say that thereÂs nothing wrong with MTD! IÂve been using the mower for four months, and it has performed perfectly. I went through the same decision process when shopping for a mower, and was all set to buy a LB, but could not pass up the opportunity to get 90% of what I was looking for in a mower for less than half the cost of the LB model I was considering (canÂt recall the model  it was the push model with the Honda engine). The Chinese-made OHV engine has performed flawlessly - quiet, plenty of power, and always starts on the first pull. The mulching performance is perfect - never a clump even through tall, damp grass. Will this last as long as a LB? Probably not. But, since I got 10+ years out of my previous mower (a $90 Murray), I expect to get my money's worth out of the CC. I have a small yard (bit over quarter acre) so IÂm not putting many hours on the machine per year. One area youÂd want to look into carefully is the drive mechanism on the 550. Not sure what type of system is used or how well it is built (my 500 is owner-propelled, so as long as I can walk, the mower will move!) While MTD products canÂt stand up to the rigors of commercial or even heavy-duty homeowner use, they do have a niche for people such as myself. For example, I have a Troy-Bilt string trimmer. Fits my needs perfectly since it gets used -- at most -- about 30 minutes total per month. It has performed like a champ for the past three years. It will probably die well before something from Echo or another higher quality brand would, but considering that I could buy three and a half of them for the price of an Echo, IÂm happy to keep the cash in my pocket. The wildcard in this equation is the pleasure one can get from using a well-crafted tool. ThatÂs an issue that differs from person to person. I have some woodworking tools that cost more than IÂd like to remember, but they are such a joy to use. Some tools just put a smile on your face when you use them. If so, it was money well spent.

I don't understand the comments about shipping being so high when you order from Hawaii. Granted I've only ordered from H&R and EOoM, but that cost was no higher than ordering from other places. I think the most I ever paid was $14 and that was for a huge box. Maybe some of the other nurseries charge more. Don't know. In answer to garyfla's question about "Why Hawaii?" Maybe they have a perfect climate or something for growing some of these plants. Whatever the reason, I've received some of the largest plants ever from the two places I mentioned. One comes to mind - a Laelia briegeri from EOoM. That plant was at least 25 PBs and only $15. You will not find another place offering a plant that size for that little. Oh yes, then there was the Max. coccinea that was just too big for my grow area. I divided it into three, blooming sized plants and traded those away. Same goes for a Milt I ordered. Kevin

I just returned from a road trip with my son up to UMD (University of Minnesota Duluth) to get set up for his 1st year there and when I returned 3 more blooms had opened! I could not believe it as I have been checking it each day hoping for progress but finding the one solo blossom each am. I go away for 2 days and BAM! Its like the Orchid Bloom fairy realized she (he?) had missed a stop and went and overcompensated. Not that I am complaining. I am waiting for my Stanhopea to make its debut and I will post a follow up. There is also a small blossom working its way out on one of the secondary growths. I am giddy! I have to admit that I feel like I should call EOoM to see if they are missing the main plant that they had planned to sell divisions of, but worry that I may be right. I suppose it is good that I live in Wisconsin and we do not get visitors from Maui with any regularity especially as winter approaches. My wife and children are tired of hearing me go on about this plant every day so this is my only outlet, forgive me for gushing. MrB should write as I may have an interest in seeing this plants genes stay in the deep end of the gene pool.

Ann That is absolutely a beautiful plant! Congrats. From the looks of it, it may need something larger, but I would be careful with repotting. It really isn't the best season to do so. If you do decide to do it, don't disturb the roots too much and make sure it has really good drainage. I have a lot of styro peanuts in the bottom of my pot. In fact I think maybe 1/4 of the pot is filled with peanuts. As far as support goes, I have mine in a clay pot with one of those wire hoops attached to the pot. That helps support the canes, but it's still all over the place. I think my plant is over 12 inches across right now, so it does take up some space. You are going to love the flowers. Mine starts blooming in spring and continues into the summer. Don't be surprised if some or a lot of your leaves start turning yellow and dropping. That's natural for this plant at this time of the year. Again, you got a really nice plant there. K