This is all very exciting!! Robert and I have exchanged emails, and we are definitely on for hosting on Memorial Day. As the date draws nearer, we'll get details together for everyone. I have another commitment on Sunday the 25th, so I'll have to miss the Maryland tour to Olga's and Lori's, etc., this year. I loved it last year, and I encourage anyone who is available that day to take advantage of the opportunity. The best part of these gatherings is the chance to make real friends out of Internet friends. I'll admit, I've heard that sometimes it doesn't work out -- but that's not the case for me. I value each of you that I have met in person, and I look forward to meeting more of you. Gardeners rock ... and Rose Gardeners rock even more!! Connie

Long day. Its finally stopped about 11PM. 12" here, and probably very close to that at National Airport. Still lots of wind and blowing and drifting, but the skies are now clear. Yesterday, up until about 4am it was a "warm storm" with temps around 32. Its been below 20F since about 8am here. The snow held and held and held on for longer than expected. This was definitely the storm of a lifetime, EVEN IF we had not had the 2 feet here last weekend, just the sheer conditions this storm produced, especially the whiteouts, and the near hurricane force winds along with 4-6 foot drifts, countless downed trees...etc. etc. etc. was a once in a lifetime event here in the Mid Atlantic. However, since we did have 2 feet on the ground already, it was just all the more historic. TZ7, Be safe! I hope you guys dont get it as bad as we did here, especially in terms of the winds. Many of our streets look like the photos you posted, and some were with downed traffic signals. Post more pics if you can! Suffice it to say, all of my palms, including the large trachy in the pot wrapped in plactic and xmas lights, are buried. The in ground palms were buried as of last saturday, and now they are under 3 feet. My smaller trachy unfortunately had spear pull, although that may be more attributed to the fact I left the xmas lights on it one day when we hit 49, and the palm cooked to well over 100F im sure. It somewhat dessicated after that, and has not looked good since. I think these storms just pushed it over the edge. Well see if I cant get it to come back. Ok Im going to bed. Ill post more photos tomorrow. Night all! Be safe.

Are you looking for company that makes these planters or are you seeking an artist to make a planter for you? I'll wager any decent sculptor could make one, although what they'd cahrge, I have no idea. That would vary greatly according to who you locate to do it for you. I know a company in INdiana that does absolutely amazing stone carved planters, statues, fountains, etc. www.stonespectrum.com But again, that shipping thing. Riverside Plastics, Kentucky. www.riverside-plastics.com Nice looking, lightweight, largest they have is just below chest height on me (I'm six foot). I also know of four companies that make fountains, planters, garden ornaments, etc. and ship nationwide. Henri's, Al's garden Art, Athens Stonecasting, Mazerelli. I hope that helps.

Well, I'm sticking with my belief that #2 is Lonicera nitida 'Sliver Beauty' :-) It has the exact habit and leaf shape and formation and variegation (including the reversion) of that plant. I can't see #1 nearly as clearly and it appears to have been pruned into a meatball shape, disguising the natural habit, so I am willing to concede on that.....but NOT #2!!