Well, it's true that shiping makes the plants more expensive than advertised, but keep in mind the law is that if you purchase from a different state then they don't have to charge sales tax. If they do then look for another vendor. They're ignorant and pass the cost of that ignorance to you. Or they are so genourous with YOUR MONEY that they send it to the state comptroller on a volunteer basis. I frankly prefer online vendors. That way I can find things that the local nursery doesn't carry and get exacly what I want. Also, the internet is a big marketplace that encourages competition. If someone across town has something it will cost me 3 bucks a gallon for gas just to get there so I generally order online. Of course, some people will hose you. I ordered a Hibiscus Syriacus from wayside gardens and thought it was way, way overpriced for what I got, 30 bucks for a puny cutting that won't flower this year. They keep sending me emails advertising how they have plant such and such for 150% the price tht the local hardware store sells it for as if I am supposed to leap at the opporunity. So I won't buy from them again. I bought some pretty lousy plants from autumn ridge nursery (but that's ok becuase the prices were excellent and I didn't expect too much) And I have had great experiences too. Smallplants.com and Pendulousplants.com have treated me very well thus far. I WILL NEVER BUY FROM WAYSIDE GARDENS AGAIN. Autumn ridge is a big maybe. Small plants and pendulous plants are good. There is also a tropical plants place in florida but the website will not let me post the name because apparently they spammed this board. But this place was good too........

Ye I agree 100% on those species, you can grow VFT's as well but please note that they do have dormency requirements. If you are happy to try them then Id suggest some 40 watt flurencent bulbs to give them extra light about 8" above the plants. Another great one thats beutiful, easy and fantastic to watch is the Drosera Capensis (south african sundew). Unlike the Drosera Adelae (austrialian) it moves both its tenacles and leaves to trap its prey, you can also foliar feed the Capensis where the australian plant is very picky and easier to kill (the capensis is extremly tough) I have a N. Ventricosa, I grew it under bulbs, it grew "ok" but grows alot faster outdoors in natural sunlight. If you get a Nepenthes dont use the tray method with this plant, I made this mistake and the pitchers started to wilt and die. Take the saucer and fill it with perlite to absord excess drainage and the plant will grow fine. I have 4 VFT's, 3 D Capensis, 3 D Adelae, 4 P. Pinguliflora (butterwort, also needs dormency) growing indoors under 2 X 40 watt florecent tubes. All are growing fine. With the amount of light your apartment receives, get some flurencent tubes, you can get some soft white light bulbs (they not to expensive) and a light fixture to hang or mount above the plants. My advise since you are in an apartment would be to go for something that is tropical which would not need dormency. My personal favorite for you would have to be the Drosera Capensis. When you want something different after this mabey get a Nepenthes Ventricosa. Cheers Sheldon

This was recently discussed on another thread. Might wanna check that out: http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/hosta/msg0712573627964.html Here is a link that might be useful: Mail Order Hosta Thread

I highly recommend Sebright Gardens in Brooks, OR. Fortunately, I am close enough to drive down once or twice a year to purchase. However, I have ordered specific plants to email as gifts to friends and was delighted to learn that they shipped big, healthy plants. Check out their catalog for some 'hard to find' varieties. If you get to the Northwest, walk down their hoop house to see 500+ varieties arranged in alphabetical order and then wander through their spectacular display gardens.It is a wonderful place to see full size varieties of hostas amid other shade loving plants and big trees. Here is a link that might be useful: Sebright Gardens