I get Florida Gardening and have just started getting Garden Gate. Florida Gardening is sometimes hit and miss for me. This past/current issue really didn't have anything that interests me. However, I enjoy the section the devote to the UF Master gardeners for Q&A and their Calendar of Events is quite helpful. As I said, I have only just started getting Garden Gate. My wife got me the Sept/Oct issue and a 2 yr subscription for my birthday. At first glance I was worried that she had really missed the mark with this magazine because most of the gardens were temperate zone types where hostas thrive. But as I read through it, I realized almost every article could easily be applied to gardening in Florida, I would just have to substitue subtropicals that would do better here. That first issue and the second one, which I just got today jas already clarified some gardening/landscaping concepts I've been hazy on. So I'm looking forward to the next 11 issues (too bad it is bi-monthly). A third 'magazine' I get is Guide for Real Florida Gardeners. An annual publication you can get for free from FANN/Plant Real Florida. I will have to pick up a copy of Mother Earth News and give it a whirl. Though I must say, this is a far departure from the truck, car audio and computer magazines I used to collect.

Margie, the island is a great spot. Bob moved to Austin & I think took most of his plants with him, too bad, he had a good selection. You can always come by the house, right now some of the crinums are blooming, the brugs look awful, I haven't cut down the avocado yet, the ragoon creeper has plenty of blooms, gingers are all up, but none are blooming, thunbergia erecta is in bloom, white coral vine blooming, thevetia looks good, some of the bromeliads are blooming, the nepenthes have pitchers right now, a lot of the cacti are blooming, plumeria looking good and blooming... Tally HO!

Thanks Marlorena. They are kinda segmented so when the wind blows it causes them to spin a little and that's why they are also called Dancing Ladies. They are kinda cool when they do that. Adam, I love the Orange Champaca. I have tried a few different times to grow them from seed but it never worked. I think I must have had old seed. I also really want the Michelia Alba! I have 2 Michelia Figos (banana shrubs) they are hardy down to zone 7. They have been blooming next to the patio the last few days and it smells like strong bananas and vanilla out there. There are a bunch of Carpenter Bees out there going crazy over them lol. Jay: Your yard sounds heavenly. Yes post photos when you can :) Sherry: I read some of your blog about which roses you are growing in Florida. I really enjoyed seeing what can be grown here. I am also interested in learning more about which clematis will work for me here. I noticed you had some planted with your roses and they look really nice. I am north of you on the NE Coast. I have a few of the same roses you have, that I just got. Rosette delizy and Maman Cochet cl. The Maman just put out two long canes and is flowering at both ends of them. I pinched off most of the buds but left one on each lol. I am anxious to see it bloom.

In years past, I posted here as DeltaTropicsGuy. Here is a new website I have developed for the purposes of showcasing what sorts of subtropical and tropical plants do well in the Memphis area. The site's functionality is complete. However, I am always adding new content. I discuss palms, bananas, trees, and other good choices to give a better feel of the Deep South and Coastal South in your Memphis area garden. I will also showcase certain plants that may be marginal in our climate which "push the zone". I will note whether plants are fully hardy in Memphis or a just a zone pushing test on my part such that you won't risk money on plants that may not survive long term. Feel free to leave comments here, but the best way to reach me is by leaving comments on the website or via email. subtropicalmemphis.wordpress.com