Thanks, timber! FN - I also posted this in the Fruit and Orchard forum, and someone mentioned woolly aphids, too. I've just been hosing them off every morning. Is this enough? Now the damage from the cicadas has already caused a branch to break, because it became so thinned out. This tree is only a year or two old. Should I try to kill the eggs in the slits with Neem oil or something else? Or if I let them be, will the larvae damage the branches even further when they hatch and come out, or if they feed on the wood or fruit? I did cut through two fruits with the gouges, and there was nothing inside. No tunneling. Someone in the other forum suggested it was bird pecks as well. Do we need to place a net over the tree? Or put some reflective tape? Or a fake owl? Thanks!

Looks like Coleus to me, too..are its leaves smooth or fuzzy..if fuzzy, it 'may' be Episcia..Google Episcia and see if you come up with a match.. If it's Coleus, it'll grow tall..if you'd prefer a compact plant, pinch every few months..Coleus flowers, but everything I've read on Coleus say it's best removing flowers since they take nutrients from the colorful leaves. (don't know if this is fact) Cuttings are easily rooted in water or soil, so it's a plant that will last for years. Toni

Go to photo bucket and follow the directions. Linda C

Hi Papa Jim Those are gorgeous! In a nice wooded area... Silvia