aha, Florida, of course, special vases (slaps forehead). A few years ago, one of the offspring bought me two silver 'thingies' exactly what you described - short bowls with a grid across the top. Being a bit of a philistine, I had no idea what they were for and tucked them at the back of a shelf. This might be what I need since the other thing which happens when I have tried a few roses is that they all fall back out of the vase. I mention this now having seen quite a few rather nice posies (Zephy, I think seems to have a vast collection of little vases) and every so often, I think how nice it would be to have a little posy next to my bed (perhaps to camouflage the teeth). The previous allotment owner planted a vast array of gladiolus which return year on year....and I confess, I have come to enjoy these flowers since even an idiot can stuff half a dozen in a pot and it looks dramatic.

For several years, nurseries have been selling small "bedding" type dahlias. They are grown from seeds and the flowers are bright but are not comparable to dahlias grown from tubers or cuttings. They will make some tubers and can easily be dug and planted the next year. However, as they say you get what you pay for. Some other "bedding" type dahlias are grown from cuttings and are actual named varieties from Holland. Examples are the Karma and Gallery series. They are about 24 inches tall and have very nice flowers that are very much like the picture on the tag. They too will make some tubers and can be dug and saved over for another year. Swan Island and other nurseries sell tubers of low growing varieties and they really do well also.

It's 5:34 am and I am patiently awaiting sunrise.......temp is 32*sigh It looks like a combination of halloween and me trying to grow pots in my yard. Fruit trees are covered with sheets, all plants have some type of bucket, pot, or other large container over them! I am SOOOO glad that I decided to save a large stack of plastic mineral feed tubs for our cattle, because that is the only thing that was big enough to cover some of my stuff. My fingers are cramping from being crossed so long and I have a headache from thinking about and wishing for warmer days to follow. My first year of "serious" gardening has proven to be eventful to say the least. My plants have so far survived hail and wind, now waiting to see what today holds. HHH

Yes those are buddlejas. They have the most interesting scent. Like lilac and honey. Very strong. I was surprised to find that they make decent cut flowers. Who'd a thunk? My roses do get thrips. We've had some rain recently so they've been kept under control, but I do get them often. Luckily they usually only damage the outer petals so when the roses open you can't see the damage as much. Some buds get completely deformed though, and so I have to get rid of them. I did just spray some spinosad for the chili thrips however, because those are the worst and they do a lot of damage.