Apparently someone added some new spam to an OLD thread (which has obviously been removed.) Wow, I mean old. Glad the spam's removed, and how cool to see such an old discussion still kicking around. It's even formatted differently. (Putting a fake email addy so this post doesn't cause me to get MORE spam.) My favorite lilies are Lycoris and the Asiatics, like Stargazer.

I just returned from the weekend to see all your wonderful comments and all I can say is WOW! I'm speechless and incredibly flattered :) You have no idea how much your compliments mean...especially since the renovation was done on a shoe string budget (champagne taste/beer budget project) And no, I'm not a interior designer, but LOVE design. In fact, I enjoyed this project so much that I've put this house on the market so I can then buy another fixer upper and start all over! (Yes - I am a tad insane). I work full time in NYC the financial industry (and hate my job!) but this little hobby/project has been my saving grace. Unfortuantely, I'm was only able to devote weekends/evenings to it - thus why it took 2 years to complete. Your comments are so encouraging that I can't wait to sell this so I can start all over!! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Cindy (aka Spy10021)

Nature Photographer Eleanor Owen Kerr Exhibited in New York Photographer Eleanor Owen Kerr is drawn to photograph the landscape by what she describes as its "mysterious, hidden depths." Kerr's photographs excel at exploring moments of intense stillness and meditative beauty that can be found in nature. Her use of light provides an expressive contrast between shadows, lights, and reflections. Each element in her images refers to its surroundings, resulting in a cohesive piece that speaks to the interconnectedness and harmony of nature. As the artist states, "my photographs explore places that speak simultaneously of ephemera and permanence, passages and sanctuary, reflections and revelations." All of the artist's photographs are film based; she develops and prints her work meticulously in her own darkroom. These traditional processes foster a contemplative stance and intimate connection with the work which she feels is important to her ultimate vision. Collectors and reviewers have noted that the artist's work combines a "crisp depth of tone with a topographical approach, which are in sync with the rising taste for that kind of depth, but also achieve a sort of intimacy without seeming staged." Eleanor Owen Kerr has exhibited her work both privately and publicly throughout the U.S. and has been invited by the Department of State's Art in Embassies curator to exhibit her work at the U.S. embassies in Pretoria and Cape Town, South Africa. She lives and works in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. From March 16 to April 6 at Agora Gallery, 530 West 25th Street, Chelsea, New York. Opening hours: 11am-6pm. Reception March 22nd, 6-8 PM. Please visit http://www.agora-gallery.com/ArtistInvite/Eleanor_Owen_Kerr.aspx for more information. Image link:

Hi Guys, I am another unfortunate person with a Heliconia craving in a bloody cold area. I have the same climate as coastal Sydney. I'm at the coast of Taree NSW and have below 2C-3C throughout the winter with the odd -1C. Also we have to watch our summers heatwaves with peaks of 47C (last Tuesday). Heliconias are possible, but only with a lot of effort. Protect your plant from cold wind as this can chill the stem causing the plant to die back to the ground. They may handle the air temperature, but wind chill will get them every time. Also Heliconias in our area must have excellent drainage. We are a winter rain area and this is dangerous for Heliconias. I've gone through 40 varieties to find the best ones for me. CoralCoast_Tropicals is right; H. subulata, H. spissa and H. schiedeana are the easiest. They are smaller and easier to protect from strong winds. H. subulata can take the most exposure, but H. schiedeana is supposed to be the most cold tolerant even taking light frost???(IÂve not tested this). Another excellent Heliconia and my favourite is Heliconia bourgaeana cv Hot Pink. I've had mine in the ground for 4 year. It has flowered as far south as Gosford that I know off. Also Heliconia latispatha cv. Orange gyro is pretty tough and very easy to flower. If you can handle spotty leaves then Heliconia rostrata is working out. I've talked to someone who flowered it in Ulladulla south coast NSW. It works because for us southerner it grows to only 1.5m high and so is easy to put in the right microclimate. The leaves will be spotty through the winter, but the plants flowers fairly reliably in SydneyÂs Northern Beaches. In flower it is stunning and worth the effort. Scot what was the variety that you bought?