Jeff.. Too Funny!!! ROFL! If I were to ever outshop the ones you mentioned, I'd need 5 acres! :) I've been to Arid lands 3 weeks in a row now, and need to figure out where to put everyone now! LOL! Can't shop with nicer people! :) Hope to get out to see Miles soon! I haven't heard of Greg Starr's Agavemporium. Melt in the sun~ i haven't heard anything about it. Neither has hubby and he works up that way. JoJo

This greenhouse, SAS and Company, specializes in cacti, agaves, aloes, yuccas and other succulents, but has other plants too. A lot of us got much more interested in succulent plants after last years brutal summer. We found out about this place after the Manchaca swap and some pictures and information were just posted on the Texas Gallery. A link to the gallery is below. Look around at some of the other posts too. We have a lot of fun over there. If perhaps there are new people here who don't know about the gallery just look at the top center of the opening Texas Forum page and you'll see the link. Happy gardening! Here is a link that might be useful: Gardening in Texas Image Gallery ...

third picture down has a type of prickly pear Opuntia and a thimble cactus but the third one I can't even guess.

I don't remember if I have Peachie's Pick or a different one at this time . I had Klaus Jelitto for years, which is a lighter color that what I have now. He was very nice for many years, then when I divided/moved, failed to bloom for many years running so I tossed him -- might have been too shady, not sure. Last year (or the year before?) I picked up a mid-blue variety at the nursery, and I have enjoyed it this year. Although it's not rangy or terribly unattractive, the foliage of Stokes aster is nothing to look at, so I would suggesting planting in an area where that won't bother you (i.e. it's not a "front of the border star" IMO). Stokes aster needs sharp winter drainage, won't tolerate soggy winter soil. Requires no special care, though my experience leads me to believe it does better in full sun.