AZ is hotter than FL but its a dry heat thus so many less insects and fungal issues. Same for many parts of CA. Grapes grow awesome in Phx. We grew lots of yummy seedless grapes there. I really wish I could grow those types there. There is a bunch of blackish purple grapes growing wild all over our property. They have seeds and don't taste all that great. I let the chickens eat them. Maybe they are better for making jams? Anyone know of any seedless varieties that will grow in zn 9a (NE FL)?

Years ago, I purchased seeds that were identified as both W. filifera and W. robusta. Only the robustas survived and continued to the present day--pure filiferas all seemed to die out over time. Some of my current collection of Washingtonias were seed grown, one brought up from Miami, and a few supermarket bought locally (which was unusual because neither filifera, robusta, nor filibusta tend to be sold locally)--too prickly for the average house and not Winter hardy in zone 7 (without protection). All were labeled Mexican fans (W.robusta) but as I say, I suspect some may be filibusta, but I doubt I have any pure filifera. Filifera may well do fine for you in the Pacific NW (or Europe for that matter) where most areas are warm and relatively dry in the summer. I suspect that it's high temps combined with humidity that they might resent. (I would be interested in knowing if any healthy filiferas are grown in South Florida.) In any event, I have more than enough Washingtonias already as they just DON"T DIE--even after spear pull! :) By the way, another palm from an arid region has given me problems over the years. I've tried growing True Date (Phoenix dactylifera) a few times unsuccessfully. Have no problems with other Phoenix species. But I am giving this one another chance. Am growing the current one in a very coarse mix. Monsoon season has just started here so won't be able to post pics until Tuesday . But what I want to do, is to select my most robusta-like Washingtonia and the most filifera-like one in order to get better identifications from the experts out there.

FWIW, according to this site the GE Profile Harmony Washer Model: WPGT9360E has "HydroHeater  Increases wash temperature to reduce bacteria and provide better cleaning for the really tough stains". It doesn't give a lot of info on specifics though. My only comments on the heater debate are 1) how often does one actually use the heater; and 2) On what cycles does the heater activate? I often see on "heated" machines that it only works on certain cycles and at certain times. (Excepting of course machines like the Miele that only have cold inlet and heat everything according to the cycle.) I've seen a lot of frontload owners express concerns that they can't heat the water when they want to. Before spending a lot more on a machine with a heater for the sake of having a heater, I'd want to know if that heater is going to serve my needs and wants. If it doesn't give me what I want, it's not worth much more, is it? If you could get a true profile wash, then a heater could be useful at least occasionally. If you can't, then I'm not sure how much actual value it would be unless you want to go to the trouble of simulate a profile wash. I can do that now. One other thought I've expressed before is the temperature of the heated water. Many seem to only do about 150°, I can't help but wonder what I get that I don't already have with the possible benefit of maintaining the temperature through the cycle. But then... 20-30 minutes per cycle on my machine verses 1-2 hours on a heated machine... Does mine need a heater to maintain the heat? I guess I would like people to be able to consider as much info as possible when making this decision. I know my head is spinning these days!! Maybe the old washboard is better for us feeble-minded people!

We really need to know the location for this one please?