Hi island, Sorry it took so long to get back to you. The product that I use for ants is GreenLight Many Purpose Dust. I use just a very small amount and it does the trick. I've been very happy with it, since I started using it four years ago. Incidentally I think GreenLight is by the same company that does Miracle Grow. Regarding the Miracle Grow, chemical fertilizers feed the plants with a sudden rush of growth. This makes the cell structure weak. So if you take the approach of feeding the soil and not the plant, the plant gets what it needs anytime it needs it. Ways to feed the soil are with alfalfa. I get mine at the feed store and just spread the pellets around. I try to make sure each area, including the lawns, get it twice a year. I also use soybean, which I get at the feed store. And all my grass clippings go back into the garden. And I can tell you people stop by all the time just to see the garden and how well the plants are doing. And it is so easy to do. Karin Here is a link that might be useful: Many Purpose Dust

Hi gang. It seems like the problem is mealybug....at least it's a big part of the problem. I've been picking them off my plants for a month now. It's amazing how quickly they come back. If I had been more knowledgeable about what I was facing a little earlier, I could have kept the problem to a minimum. But you guys know what happens when you don't act quickly....the problem compounds itself. That's ok....I'm still a relative newcomer to the garden world so I won't beat myself up too badly. Here's an interesting fix I've researched: You can buy these mail order "mealybug destroyer" ladybugs that apparently feast on the little buggers. I'm tempted, but before I take the plunge I want to try one more organic spray called Jungle Rain....it promises to do the job and it's much cheaper. (Probably a rip-off...we'll see.) Anyway, the real bummer is that my citrus plants....though quite healthy and growing, have stopped blooming. The simple fact is they're not getting enough direct sunlight, but I live in a condo and can't change the direction my balcony faces. (west) So....can I get a great big "awwwww" out of you? :)

Glad the photos are being enjoyed :). I have the camera phone with me all the time so often take pictures and videos. The begonia is wonderful isn't it? So dramatic with its orange tendrils! It looks a bit weary right now - I don't think it likes the rains we have had. I don't know much about its needs - am hopeful it will perk up again. We have resigned ourselves to the squirrels eating a lot of seed and actually enjoy watching them as we do the birds. They make a few squirrel proof feeders but I am not sure how good they work. Thank you for the ID on the hawk! I will be looking up info on them and the woodpecker now that I know what they really are. The cowbirds were surreal that day! I did not capture it, but there were about five of them trying to share that little tree! It was so funny and so interesting since they were just inches away from the window! I, too, sort of like that old container with the fern. Isn't it lovely the way the backlighting make the fronds look like flames? I have it in my head to make a hanging container of some sort for the fern, but am in no hurry. It has a charm about it as is. I attached a photo I took yesterday at dusk. It was an evening of soft breezes and steady, gentle rains and the male hummingbird was making his final rounds before settling in for the night. Unfortunately I was too far away to get a great shot, but if you look closely you will see him perched on the feeder edge sipping happily!

Then we had an outside company come and spray 3 times in three months and they won't go away. ==>>> the ants .. or the company ... did they not guarantee their work??? did they happen to ID them??? .. and if not.. it makes one wonder .... you might want to invest in hiring another company ... who will guarantee their work ... and solve your problem ... in every project.. there does come a time.. when checkbook resolution is the only option.. if for no other reason.. peace of mind ... and frankly.. when i found them crawling ON ME ... it would be the time to do such ... good luck ken ps: i use the type at the link when they invade in spring [various versions per manufacturer] ... its the type rhiz is talking about ... over a couple days... i watch their paths ... and place them in places i know they travel.. and usually within a week.. they are gone.. until the next horde moves in [i figure.. a new nest???] .. lol .. and as noted.. the scouts leave a trail ... for others to follow ... so your repeated.. frequent washing.. kinda obscures the fact that the scout has to report back and his scent followed back by the workers.. who will bring the goo back to the hive .... [ i place some under the stove.. near the sink.. and near the toaster ... all food sources IMHO] Here is a link that might be useful: link