Given that I'm in a climate zone where these things do well, I'm probably not the best person to give advice. But I can endorse the idea of Chilean guava in a pot. Mine was permanently outdoors of course, but it flowered and fruited fine for several years before I was able to plant it in the garden. The flowering is late enough that it won't be troubled by being indoors etc until the frosts have passed, and it doesn't require a long season to fruit. I don't know what level of frost it will tolerate - certainly some, but the places it grows best are cool and windy, so not frosty. There is also at least one feijoa variety that can be grown and fruited in a pot (the self-fertile Unique), but it is probably still too big to be moved inside, unlike the Chilean guava which is small. I don't have the space for kiwifruit or the climate for pomegranate (not hot enough in summer), so I can't help with those.

When the lily blooms, if the blossoms stand well above the water on a stiff stem, it will probably be a tropical. If the blossom rests on the water, it will be a hardy. I've seen a few hardies with blossoms standing above the water, but the tropicals really stand up. It's hard to tell from the pads. My Blue Beauty (tropical) has pads that look very much like that.

Kat, I would be interested in doing some trading with you if you would like. I would be interested in JoAnne Pring, Mrs. George C. Hitchcock, and Afterglow (2 of Afterglow if you have them). I have a very extensive list of plants so you can check them and see if I have anything that you want. The only tropical I have up for trade right now is Albert deLestang. If you are not familiar with this tropical, it is an Austrailian waterlily that I have had much success growing. If you are interested in seeing what this lily looks like, go to http://www.victoria-adventure.org/waterlilies/anecphya_galleries/gigantea_albert_de_lestang.html where you can find a photo gallery of it. Though none of the pictures show it, Albert has a pretty icy blue tone on the first and second days. The flowers on this lily last a week compared to the four days of other tropicals. The plant that I have to send is a smaller plant but has TONS of growth on it and will be blooming size in a few weeks if given the proper care. It got a later start than all of my other tropicals. I also have Almost Black and then you can check my trade list and see what all else I have that you are interested in (go to www.geocities.com/lucasdalderson/myplants.html). I have most of the hardies up for trade but a different story on the bog plants and tropicals. I would be willing to trade 2 hardies per tropical with the exception of Almost Black because it is slightly rare. All plants will be good sized though Almost Black is a start but has very nice growth on it like the Albert deLestang. Let me know if you are interested in doing some trading. Happy ponding, Lucas D. Alderson

Hope everyone is having a great weekend! Barb! look at all of those flowers! Those violets are pretty but they are a real pest here! spread like wiregrass! You really make me miss tulips too! (I knew winter was good for something!) Is that a trillium at the top! I can't remember the last time I saw a trillium!I am sorry to hear that Al has pain, I have suffered from hip/joint pain for several years, the doctors have told me the best treatment is 'keep moving' grrrr, sometimes it is very tough to do. Regina I am happy that you are getting some rain! (I hate to complain about water from the sky but it is still raining off and on here! The plants are loving it, but it sure makes it unpleasant outside (muggy, mosquitos and soggy) That Brug is beautiful! I can't wait till mine bloom, I have 3 potted and one in the ground, I just love those leaves! Even if they didn't have flowers My elephant ears hit the ground running too, all this water really perked them up. I cannot believe the size of the leaf on one of them (Is it my imagination or are those leafs still growing?!?!) Here is a photo of some of the plants Michelle sent (see the little rose that bloomed in the box!!! 9 different coleus cuttings!!! can't wait to pot those up! they are gorgeous! Michelle I am sorry to hear about your little GH! Glad that is was not worse and that you and your family are fine! Last of the Iris Peony my herb garden Hummingbird magnet! Tropical Sub-Tropical Surplus Swap Status 1.bigmama4ever sends to chellflower 2. ladygreensleeves sends to rosepedal SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED! 3. fcoffill sends to Tina_2 SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 4. rosepedal sends to deig01991 SURPLUS SENT AND RECIEVED 5. deig01991 sends to divahethr SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 6. chellflower sends to ladygreensleeves SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 7.divahether sends to greenthumbgrow SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED 8. greenthumbgrow sends ro Micyrey SURPLUS SENT 9. tina_2 and micyrey send SMALL (yes SMALL please) boxes to fcoffill miceyrey - SURPLUS SENT and RECIEVED Have a great day everyone! Frances