This was the thread that helped me put a name to the style of garden that I love best. I have been working towards the cottage style for many years and never get tired of the evolution of it. Loved reading them all again today. Cheryl

Right this minute, for me, RAIN or the lack of it, is about as profane as I can get, honestly. I'm so frustrated with this weather, and today's tiny little 4-second shower just made it worse. I was being truly profane all over the place around here. Shaking my fist at the sky and giving it what-for at the top of my lungs! Of course, the worst part is that in a few weeks, it will probably be raining every afternoon for two months, and there will be mold all over the sidewalk, and I'll be so bloomin' sick of the rain, I'll be shrieking imprecations at the sky once again, begging for a sunny day. We are never satisfied, eh? Marcia

It looks like oedema, which is very common on ivy geraniums. This occurs when your plants are taking up water faster than they can get rid of it via transpiration. Over-watering, coolish temperatures, cloudy or foggy conditions, high humidity, etc. can all contribute to the formation of these corky lesions. To prevent occurrences of this disorder (it's not a disease), make sure that your potting medium is VERY fast draining and that water doesn't collect in the bottom of the planters. Avoid excess watering, and maintain relatively high levels of fertilizer. This is one of the plant problems that can actually be helped by fertilizer, lol! Oedema won't go away on the affected leaves, but if you correct the growing conditions, the new growth will be unaffected.

I just received the most WONDERFUL box from Miss Sue! It was so big, it took 2 kids to carry it. :) And MERCY, I just about fell out of my chair when I saw how much it cost to mail! Prices are getting ridiculous!! I tried to keep track of everything as I unwrapped them, but I had 4 little helpers (the girls helped me...the boys couldn't have cared less- they know they're going to be recruited to help plant later on! LoL!) so I didn't get everything written down. But everything looks great, nothing is wilted! Which was SO surprising, considering the heat! I know there were 2 mini roses, red & blue salvia, many daylilies, 6 succulents, dianthus, lantana, rosemary & lavender. The rosemary & lavender made the box smell SOOOO good! If I've forgotten to mention anything, please forgive me! Thank you SO MUCH, Miss Sue! You outdid yourself with a WONDERFUL box, and I absolutely LOVE everything!