Thanks. Hey, Jazzbone, it looks like we're neighbors now...can you recommend any hardware or supply stores near Birmingham, other than Lowes and HD? Bending rebar is for suckers. I'm really jealous of anyone with welding tools! The last armature I made nearly did me in, and then I saw the thinner stuff at Lowes. Tango, good point. I'll be keeping my eye out. I'm inclined to do a little more damage on my credit card and a little less on my back. Regards, Justin

There are many products on the market that claim 'neem' as an ingredient. Often, the 'neem' is combined with other insecticides and a vehicle that makes emulsification and thus delivery/application easier. If these products have used neem oil that was altered or obtained by a process other than cold-pressing, the value or effectiveness of the essential ingredient azadirachtin has likely been reduced or negated entirely. I have read reports in these & other forums about growers using products like Bio-Neem by Bonide (and others) and having less than what they consider stellar results, while I continue to use the cold-pressed product, such as is produced by Dyna-Gro, with what I consider very safe and very good results. Remember that neem oil doesn't deliver a huge initial knockdown punch, but it IS a powerful antifeedant and chemosterilizer, rendering current generations unable to feed or progress through metamorphic stages to adulthood, and rendering adults sterile. Cold-pressed neem oil is excellent on mites & works initially in the same way as hort oils work, with the added benefits of the other properties already noted. This from a recent post @ another forum site: "As I consider the prophylactic use of any insecticide, including systemics, I guess I have to say that about the only compound that fits that description for me is neem oil. I over-winter around 100 tropical plants (most are normally grown as houseplants, but my focus is on bonsai) under lights in my basement. About 2 weeks before bring them in, I apply neem oil - then again a day or two before I bring them in. Normally these applications keep insect levels in check all winter, though I may see some scale or mite populations appearing toward winter's tail. If it gets too bad, I'll do a neem application & hold out until I get the plants outdoors where the increase in the plant's metabolism and thus natural defenses, along with the increase in beneficial predators, usually completely eliminates the trouble. The bio-compounds plants use to repel plants are a by-product of the plant's metabolism. Plants with high energy reserves and plants growing with good vitality are much better protected 'naturally' from insect predation, which is why plants in low light and those that are just limping along are far more likely to be troubled by insects. I very often diagnose the occurrence of insect infestations as the end product of poor cultural conditions, and the greatest, most frequent offender is a poor soil." I'm not implying you're using a poor soil; I know you're not, but others might wish to consider the corollary. Al

Thanks for missing me you guys lol!! I thought that looked like either a Hayden or Kent. I think those two both get real big. It is sure a happy looking tree:) You will be up to your ears in fruit. I am thinking of getting a Nam Doc Mai and perhaps a Lancetilla. Because I can keep them smaller. I don't have room for a huge one right now or I would get a larger one. I will prob keep them in pots for awhile. Their fruit is supposed to ripen at diff. times so it would extend the harvest. Does anyone have either one of these Mangos (Nam Doc Mai or Lancetilla)? Lady Lotus, I just saw that it is super cold where you are! 35 below zero? Gosh! Hope you snuggle up and stay warm and safe!! I saw on the U of FL extension that the Julie mango was susceptible to disease here but not sure about where you are. I think it doesn't like the humidity. I will post a link in case anyone would like to read about Mangos. Pine Island nursery also has an online mango viewer that tells about the different varieties too. Here is a link that might be useful: U of FL extension

If you are looking for unusual plants for your balcony, don't restrict yourself to only local nurseries. Check out on-line nurseries as well. My favorite local nurseries, including two Internet nurseries, in ranking order are: AnnieÂs Annuals I love Annie's. Located in Richmond, CA (northern California). Some of her plants can be purchased at Rogers Gardens or you can order on-line. She has a great catalog! Annie's Annuals Buena Creek Gardens They have some plants in the ground so that you can see what they look like as mature plants. Fantastic nursery and worth the drive. 418 Buena Creek Road San Marcos (760) 744-2810 Buena Creek Gardens Brita's Old Town Gardens 225 Main St. Seal Beach (562) 430-5019 Brita's Old Town Gardens RogerÂs Gardens They have all the big-box store plants and much, much more. They cater to Newport's wealthy and thus their prices are little higher. 2301 San Joaquin Hills Rd Corona Del Mar (949) 640-5800 Roger's Gardens World Wide Exotics Located out in the middle of no-where and they do business beneath a shade tent. They have many interesting plants. 11157 Orcas Ave Lake View Terrace (818) 890-1915 Open Wed-Sat 9:30-4:00 H&H Nursery They will have all your big-box store plants and much more. 6220 Lakewood Blvd Lakewood (562) 804-2513 H&H Nursery Epies By Pat This is a local on-line nursery. Epiphyllum are wonderful balcony plants. I've included a photo of one of mine. Epies By Pat Epiphyllum do well in hanging pots in a shaded area.