Not to worry - I don't think there was anyone confused by the title of your OP, Joe. The obvious choice, if there are only two plants involved that present little in the way of an imposition, is to entrust them to the care of a neighbor, co-worker, family member, friend ....... don't trust any herbivores though - no matter how convincing they might be ...... and please provide fool-proof watering instructions based on the plant's needs during the recent past. If that's not an option, ask & I'll share how to build a greenhouse with a kid's wading pool that will get you through - a LOT more effort than simply asking for help, though. I even entrust my wife with supplying water to my plants while I'm away. ;-) Al

Long ago I grew a Tahoma Glacier for a couple years, gorgeous flower, but gave it away to a friend in NY because my summers were way too hot for it. The main problem with growing this particular hybid is keeping it cooler than your usual Oncidium intergeneric. If you can keep this plant in bright light (it doesn't need direct sun) and in the 50s/low 60s at night and no more than about 75F or so during the day (check the temperature right where the plant is, not just the room temp), not allow it to completely dry out but not keep it sopping wet, it should do well for you. Of course, it won't like 20% humidity, but should be happy enough with something in the 50% range, especially if it is higher at night. I had mine potted in a plastic pot in fine bark/sponge rock/charcoal mix, which is what I have almost everything potted in. Your mileage may vary there. Basically, I grew it exactly like my Sharry Baby, only cooler -- that is why I finally had to give it away. Get back to us when you have your hygrometer.

Olga, Cool, I'm in Laurel. IÂve been lurking and occasionally posting for years and noticed your postings. I didnÂt realize we were so close. I usually pay extra close attention to those in my climate. SDLM really fit the bill for me due to color, bloom form, and size. Buttercup yellows and oranges donÂt appeal to me. I tolerate Fragrant Cloud because itÂs a vigorous bloom machine but I think sometimes it hurts my eyes, and pinks are pretty easy to find. IÂve been concentrating on whites, near whites, apricots and true or dark reds (red is my favorite). Like you, IÂve also been trying to get away from spraying by spÂing my most BS prones. IÂve stopped bothering with winter protecting a long time ago. Another goal is to find less thorny ones. After getting rid of my prima donnas I think thorns are my next issue. However, if I can find a healthy SDLM IÂm willing to give it some TLC for a couple of years. My wife and I have friends and relatives in Rockville and Germantown and I can get away with a few things that wonÂt survive their winter. My chinas and my Francis Dubreuil still have all of their leaves. But maybe thatÂs normal, this is my first year with them. Besides, maybe I can take advantage of global warming. Thanks for the advice on the long caned roses. It makes sense, my BdeN didnÂt take off until I planted it in what happened to be a particularly well irrigated section. Thanks for the offer. Right now there's nothing much to look at. With the exception of BDeN they all winter killed at least above ground. BDeN would have been fine if not for the rodents. However, if you have any cuttings of SDLM (or BDeN) you are willing to part with IÂd be glad to stop by or meet somewhere or here. IÂm kind of hoping BehnkeÂs would carry it, but they havenÂt. BehnkeÂs seems to be the best overall deal with their huge selection. Dennis

Best way--and hardest work--is to just keep pulling the bermuda grass out. Water well, then start pulling when the soil firms and water has soaked in a bit. There are a number of herbicides that target grasses, however few of them have labels for flower beds. In some cases, the grass herbicides will also have some activity against certain broadleaves, so if you go off-label and just try something, you might get a few of your flowers as well. You might look at Preen in a small area as it is recommended for grasses, but don't know what it may do to the plants you want.