I agree with ginnibug, diversity in leaves is what really makes the plants attractive since most of the year they don't have flowers. I have one of the miniatures where the entire plant is no more than an inch-and-a-half tall. Variety is Seiryujishi. But my problem is that although the plants grow very well here in north Florida, the hot summers tend to prevent it from blooming except just occasionally; my Neo falcata plants can go years between blooms.

My 2 favorite vendors got very little mention. 1) Carmela Orchids in Hawaii because they sell Plug trays. You get 25 healthy 3" plus catts with 3 growths with or without a new lead for $25.00 if you phone Sheldon and ask for a Society discount ($28 is the normal price). Shipping for 10 such plug trays is $20.00 relatively more expensive for a smaller order. I am growing a ton of these planning to sell them for $10 to $15 when in bloom 'Saturday morning garage sale' style, put them on our raffle table, silent auction table at our Society or list them on the exchange site of this forum when in bloom (2 to 3 years). 2) SBOE (Santa Barbara Orchid Estates) I favor them over all SOCAL vendors because they grow all of their stuff outside in conditions similar to my SOCAL backyard. Their plants require no adjustment to switch to my growing conditions. Cal Orchids across the street from them has beautiful stuff but grows everything in controlled green house conditions. Some of my purchases from him lingered for a year before they elected to live in my backyard. Nick

Thanks everyone for the ideas and offer of seeds. I don't think I will try seeds. I do not like the suspense and the disappointment when they do not grow. I may order online or wait till spring. Two nurseries said next spring for the Wafer Ash. A third local nursery owner was so interested in what I had to say about Wafer Ash and Paw Paw that I typed up a sheet for her to use. I suggested she get these trees and post signs about the butterflies. She was very interested and believed that this would help her sales. I am planing to order the Paw Paws from England's Orchard & Nursery in Kentucky. http://www.nuttrees.net. I spoke to the owner and he was very knowledgeable. He says he can send them in October. I am not sure how close the trees need to be to each other to pollinate so I may need to call him again. I have actually never even seen a Zebra Swallowtail in my area but the Butterflies and Moths of North America site tells me they are here. Thanks again and Elizabeth when I get back to Cox I will look for you. My son loves to go to the butterfly house. Ann

Good Morning Everyone. I would like to offer DAYLILY SEEDS to everyone. I know several others have already offered these, but mine have finally finished maturing. Still have one pod on Darla Anita. Please let me know soon, I will be dividing and mailing them out early Friday morning. Gloria, hope you feel better soon. Canna, ohhh, new windows and siding. You will feel like you are living in a new house. SherryB, I thought the iris bud was a late gladiola till it bloomed. The only iris I had bloom this year were siberian. Not one of my bearded Iris bloomed?! Till now that is. We had one cool day in the 60's and now we are in the 80's again for a couple more days. This is August weather! I would post a pic. of the iris, but it is totally boring, just a white iris amongst my dieing fall garden. YOur GD sounds like a wonderful teenager. It must be nice to have her around for the school year. 12 INCH DAYLILIES - I want in on that one too! LOL Dianne, Congrats on becoming a Grandma. I know this isn't too exciting but my family calls the Grandparents by their last names .. ie. Grandma & Grandpa Cook and Grandma & Grandpa Mac (short for MacEachran). My kids did the same thing. Someday I hope to be called Grandma Dolan. (I hope that day is a long way off!) Also, congrats on the new job. I would love to be in the Halloween swap. I will be out shopping today for it. Halloween is my favorite Holiday. Sharon/tma