Like with every product line and every service company out there, good and bad things are going to be experienced and said. The best you can do is be honest with your friend on your product/price concerns, and then take things from there. The truth of the matter is that a true friend isn't going to dictate your friendship on whether you join their team or buy their products, regardless of the company they are selling for. But could it really hurt to spare a few minutes and show some interest in what they do and what they're excited about? I'd hope your friend would do the same for you. What's the worse that can happen? I'm very familiar with Mary Kay because I've used it for years, and I've honestly been very happy with it. I mean compared to other products I've used that actually cost me a lot more, I've had better results, and I just like the way my skin feels and looks. But I do know that if you're ever unhappy or anything negative occurs with your skin, a good consultant will notify the people that need to be notified, and any help you need will be there. I'm fortunate that I've had good experiences. But I never would have known my feelings on the product or my trust in my consultant if I didn't at least give her a try. I work in the insurance industry, and I hear NO all the time, just like my Mary Kay consultant does. So it might be nice to appreciate the fact that asking you to try the product or help her reach a goal may have been very difficult for her to do...despite her enthusiasm.

In addition to photos of both on the web Monrovia has been sending large tubbed 'Kay Parris' to sales yards here where these can be viewed near 'Little Gem' of similar stature. One retailer I frequent had rows of the two selections presented side-by-side last year, enabling easy comparison of foliages and growth habits. 'Little Gem' has been very common here for some time, making its appearance and performance under our conditions - generally similar to those of Britain and Northern Europe - quite familiar. In addition to its small parts it consistently stands out for often being a deeper green than many other southern magnolias are on local soils. My experience with this highly popular item includes viewing one in a southern California garden center compound that appeared to be about 42 ft. tall. Personnel on hand reported that a mucky muck from Monrovia - who markets it as "dwarf" - had told them such height was most unusual for this plant. Yet my recollection of the illustrated Magnolia Society account of the original variant showed and described a tall narrow column. (College libraries housing complete sets of this journal will have the relevant issue, published some years ago now). Of those that are currently in general commerce my preference is for 'Bracken's Brown Beauty', due to its comparatively normal looking - as in less magnolia-like - foliage and habit.

oooh DON'T kill them . use them . I would rather them than dandelions in my garden any day and if the space is taken up by violets then the dandelions cant grow . But when they bloom I use the blooms for violet syrup ( use as a refreshing beverage in the summer when added to sparkling water , or make candied violets to use as decoration on cakes etc. or put em in your wine ( if you make wine ) . Just a note: I did not know until last year that the reason violets can be so prolific is that they seed twice a year ,once in the spring and once in the fall so if you dont want so many remove the seed pods.

To all of the traders I thank-you and I would trade with you again anytime : ) : )