Eloquent arguments...much ado about nothing. Craig, How snifty that your kids want to start a cactus garden! Gardening is a wonderful experience for children and a great teaching tool. Do you have much experience growing cacti? Will you be using pots, in-ground or raised bed? Drainage will be important for a *successful* cactus garden. As to collection of plants for your garden, let the lessons begin! Why not order one package of assorted seeds (a couple of bucks plus postage) *and* go to Wally World for one (another buck.50) *and* locate someone (in Tx that won't be a problem) who will allow you to remove one or two pads from their prickly pear. Now you've got a show going. Again, I don't know if you have experience with cactus but there are some simple tips that will help you help your children get a good start towards a successful garden. Many here, as myself, will be happy to help, if we have a bit more info. The first that comes to my mind is 1) steer the kids away from the colorful grafts at WM. Eventually the top section dies and we want success growth for young gardeners. 2)wash all dirt from the roots before planting into its new home. 3) when collecting opuntia pads, take the Sunday paper (a section for wrapping the pad), a set of tongs (in case the spines are so long they poke thru the paper) and your sharpest *long* knife (it can be tricky to get down between pads). 4) cut pads at the joints and let them scab over in a dry, shady spot for a couple of weeks before planting. 5) discuss the pros and cons of wild collection of native plants while retrieving your new project. hth - Jo

you are right about the first one it is a stetsonia coryne i rescued mine from a walgreens pharmacy since i got it it has grown about three inches (i bought it around christmas 08) good luck

Thanks, Sam! I've checked both sites but they only seem to be selling modelling clay, do you think that would also be suitable for gardening?

If you are after orchids, you would be wise to get in touch with the various orchid societies which abound in Sydney. You can then go along to one of their meetings if one takes place during your visit and either buy plants thru the sales table or meet the members and buy directly from them. Most do grow other tropical plants besides orchids. And some like myself are very reasonable. It's true that you will find a lot of variety further up north and some sellers are fair but I did find some sellers there rather expensive. You have to be selective where ever you go. Some people are only in plants for the money and will rip you off given the opportunity. You will know these people almost immediately from the prices they charge, the size of the plants they sell and the so called rarity of the plants they sell. I have to say that my tropical plants are doing very well and a lot of other tropical plants growers that I know of in Sydney have no problems either with a wide variety of tropical plants.