Since I am one of the ones (many, I think) who objected somewhat to this whole post, I would like to add a couple of thoughts, myself. First of all, for those of you who are personal friends of Ricky's (and I know there are a lot of you who have enjoyed his hospitality and knowledge of plants), I just want to say that I don't think ANYONE on this forum doubts his credentials or his expertise. From the pictures I have seen, he has an amazing looking garden, and he obviously knows a lot about plants and landscaping. (I'm speaking in the third person because his last post in this thread makes it sound like he has left the group.) In my opinion, this whole brouhaha got started because of the way an OPINION was presented as if it were a FACT. There's a lot of difference. If you are going to state flatly, as a FACT rather than a personal opinion, that half of the people who post on this forum do not have gardens, you are going to cause hurt feelings and/or anger. Do I think Ricky did it to stir the pot, as some have suggested? Possibly. He obviously knew it would upset people, or he wouldn't have started out by saying he debated whether or not to even post. And ended by warning us that he would not respond if we DID get upset. So, it's pretty plain that he knew the post would cause problems for people, but he still chose to phrase his personal opinions as though they were fact. And in doing so, he definitely hurt a lot of feelings, as you can see from the responses to the post, which people made regardless of the request for them not to bother if they weren't happy with what he said. In my opinion, and it's ONLY an opinion, that is a very counter-productive way of making a point, or helping people to improve the overall look of their own gardens. (And yes, I think anyone who sticks a plant in dirt is gardening at some level or another, and every yard with plants in it is a GARDEN, whether or not it meets everyone's idea of beauty.) So I do not understand the reason for the whole post, because I do not understand intentionally hurting feelings or making people mad. Yes, I know we have all unintentionally said things that didn't come out like we meant (or didn't READ the way were saying them in our minds) and as a result, may have accidentally hurt feelings along the way. But most of us wouldn't do it on purpose. So again, I'm mystified by the whole tone of this post. But I am certainly NOT mystified by people's reactions to it. The second thing I'd like to comment on is in response to remarks about the tenor of this forum. We are only human, and at TIMES, feelings do get hurt and words might be exchanged. But overall, this is one of the friendliest and nicest groups of people I've ever seen online. (And I've belonged to a LOT of groups over the years, believe me.) I've never belonged to one where such a large group of people try so hard to be helpful to each other, and where they share so willingly of advice, ideas, and fun. I'm sorry to hear that anyone has felt the need to leave the forum or to merely lurk due to any unpleasantness. I know how that feels, as I have drawn back once or twice when things got testy. But I don't stay away very long because overall, this forum is one of the best out there. Usually differences get resolved, and people move on. And most of the time, people DO allow for differences of opinion on various issues. I hope those who have felt uncomfortable due to any past discussions will give it another try and join in the fun that is the normal fare here. Again, both of these points above are only my own personal opinions, and I understand that others might feel differently. Marcia

Hi Julia. I planted them in 4 in. pots about March. But you could plant them directly in the ground and they would do fine. The seeds I had were several years old and I think every one of them came up and grew fast. They are still looking good. I'd like to plant them in the front, but I don't know if the deer would eat them. Does anyone know if they are deer munchies?

Here in SW Qld, gardeners who are passionate will have anything in their garden that will grow and survive the summer heat, and the winter frost. Many gardens look tropical although there are plenty that look like dustbowls. Tropical can be more the 'feel of tropical' rather than traditional tropical, and cottage-garden style gardening with the appearance of luxurient growth works well to create a tropical look. Many successful gardens here have local natives plants and shrubs, palms - dates, the dreaded cottontail (G) gums, agave, cactus, and yucca, pomegranates, and some of those annuals that keep coming back, and perenials that cannot be killed which provide the important understory. These are all mixed up with no much regard for the tidy, ordered look which is promoted by the magazines and TV programes. I have an area in our 3/4 acre that is slowly being developed into a 'dry' rainforest, with easter/christmas cactus, and several other rainforest cactus in baskets, a few hardier bromilliads, a couple of staghorns, and crowsnest ferns, at the moment the area is under shade cloth, (and palm thatch for the summer) Eventually the couple of shade trees planted will grow tall enough to protect the area that used to be an old chook house. The bush poles making a structure for the hanging baskets, and the essential hammock. The 'rainforest' takes minimal precious rainwater, which mostly goes on the fruit trees, and vegetables. My cactus garden, with resident yucca and agave has a bougainvillea in one corner and is shaded slightly with a gum so that the cactus do not get burnt by the westering sun. Neither look out of place. Nearby is a trellis which by next year, I hope, will be a riot of bougainvillea, and hibiscus. These are still no more than rooted cuttings siting in the shadehouse at the moment. Hopefully they will be big enough by the next good rain to plant out. regards Dorothy

try the houseplant.. and maybe tropical plant forums for more info ... i like to tell peeps.. to cut that huge sucker down.. before repotting... because getting a very tall plant to stand up in a new pot.. is really hard ... and i would bet my nickle.. that is why you have 4 new shoots.. on top of a huge trunk ... lol .. i would not repot until i could do it outdoors... to avoid the mess ... and maybe i would stake it in the surrounding soil .. while it settles itself into the pot .. and then bring it back indoors in early fall.. in my z5 MI ... in shade the whole time mind you ... whatever you decide.. understand.. its an extremely happy looking plant... i have no clue.. why there would be any hurry to repot it ... and i would look for some transportation shock ... since it was moved in winter.. in OH ... hopefully on a warmish day ... if its a decorative pot.. you can just stick this pot.. into the pot ... for now .... and i hope you are protecting surfaces... from water running thru ... ken