There was a question about this last year. I had a quick Google and rapidly came to the conclusion that it was a complete rip off. However, to make up your own mind here is a link to a thread and if you use the 'Search' box at the top of the page you will find several other threads on it. Here is a link that might be useful: aero garden

Though I've never used nematodes to try and get rid of thrips, I have used them to try and get rid of japanese beetles. What I discovered is fewer grubs in my garden but still as many on my plants. The problem with the beetles and thrips is they can fly. When I did research on how to get rid of thrips I found information on insects that eat them. One such insect that is easily recognizable is the pirate bug. We were infested with thrips, so much so that I found 30+ on EACH daylilly flower (not plant, flower) and we have hundreds! My new roses couldn't bloom at all, especially my Moonlight Magic, Stainless Steel, and Neptune. I had to clip all the buds as they were so damaged by thrips I was concerned about the health of the plants (ironic how I was more concerned about aphids before this). After reading about the thrip-eating bugs I decided to see if I could find any on the daylillies. I found one pirate bug and it was enough to convince me to wait and see for a few weeks. 5 days later and two of my roses have bloomed today. I inspected them for thrips and found 2-3... and a pirate bug. Pirate bugs are my roses new best friends and I, at last, can enjoy some blooms! They haven't yet finished up the population on the daylillies, but I haven't given them much time, either. If you decide not to get the nematodes you should consider predatory insects.

I have always been organic, ever since I was a kid and my grandma and grandpa showed me how to plant a few seeds way back in the early 60's. I ran across Ruth's book in 1978 and it revolutionized my gardening. No more turning the soil! I was already toying with "no till" methods but her simple solution is the ticket, and I've done it basically that way ever since. Hay is not the only thing that works, any sort of mulch will do. You can check with local tree services that have chipper trucks and they will often times drop a whole load (or part of one) off for you at no charge (saves them a fee at the dump). Get your wheel barrow and pitch fork ready and mulch like crazy. The main way I differ is instead of putting the mulch everywhere, I make beds that are mulched and run 2 drip lines over the top, down the length of the bed. (I use T-tape, and use the heaviest gauge) Each time I add mulch, I top dress then use an old hoe handle with just the hook (blade broke off) to lift the line back over the mulch. Beds should only be as wide as you can reach from both sides WITHOUT having to stretch to reach the middle. I lay my drip line over the mulch so that water runs down through it and gets more of the mulch wet. It works with it under though, as enough water still keeps the bottom of the mulch moist. I just like the mulch to break down a little faster so it's feeding the soil. I love Ruth's book, and have recommended it to many a fellow garden keeper. There are also several threads on this site about "lasagna" gardening which is basically the same thing by a more recent author. The term lasagna was one I came up with years ago, but I used the word to describe the way I make a compost pile, with layers, and then "cook" the pile. The author of Lasagna Gardening heard me use the phrase and asked if she could use it and I said sure, so Lasagna gardening was born. Another good book is by Max Alth, How to Farm Your Back Yard the Mulch Organic Way. BTW, I don't do that much compost piling, although it seems I always have a huge pile going somewhere on my 5 acres. Its to much work to move the material twice, plus turning. It's easier to just put it in place as mulch one time and be done with it. Let us know how your garden grows. Arthur

Their "Season of Bloom" collection will vary as you won't know exactly what you'll be getting. Each collection they put together is going to be different, but selected to ensure that you have blooming lilies throughout the year. I've grown CP Lilies for years and I've been thrilled with them each time they arrive. Bulbs are of very good quality and guaranteed to grow. Here are some personal favorites in their catalog that I must say, "YOU MUST HAVE!" Early Ariadne Brushstroke Grand Cru Yellow Whoppers Black Out Viva Midseason Tiger Babies Red Velvet Midnight Fanfare White Henryi L. regale All the Orienpets!!! Late Casablanca Rio Negro L. speciousum Muscadet I hope this helps. There's an endless collection out there. Riz