Damn! I had a long post all prepared and did something stupid (I think) and lost all my work. I did that yesterday on another forum site, too. I HATE it when that happens. Try this site for reliable information about nutritional issues and info. It even has a Mulder's Chart that shows how antagonisms play out, which really shows why fertilizers that don't closely mimic the ratio of nutrients plants actually USE, can get you in trouble in doubletime. Ask any specific questions you can think of. We can probably answer them. Root growth and top growth are closely linked. Root growth always occurs prior to top growth. Chemical messengers keep the plant informed about it's state of vitality, and growth regulators will suppress top growth until there is enough root mass to support it. What is the first thing to emerge from the seed? The root radicle, not the trunk. That plants in very large pots with plenty of room for roots to run won't put on top mass because they put all their energy into growing only roots is a myth. We KNOW that tight roots slows growth more and more as root congestion increases. It doesn't make sense that tight roots and roots with room to run would BOTH suppress growth, does it? Growth and vitality begins to be negatively affected at the point where the root/soil mass can be separated from the pot intact. Once a plant gets to that point, nothing will correct the limitation other than correcting the problem via root pruning. Potting up won't do it, and neither will planting out. Myth - shallow pots stimulate lateral growth while deep pots stimulate ht. No truth there. Whether plants are shrubby or tree-like originates in genetic predisposition and can be controlled to a large degree by selective pruning. There are 2 perspectives when it comes to plants being potbound. From the plant's POV, tight roots are always limiting, so the plant wants more room for roots when they are congested - to relieve the stress. The stress CAN be employed by the grower to make some plants grow in desirable ways. Tight roots have a dwarfing effect (smaller leaves/tighter internodes, and sometimes a few more blooms, but stress is stress. Stress unchecked leads to strain, and strain uncorrected always leads to death of the organism. Not long ago, ONE person glommed onto a negative statement someone made in a blog about Turface. This person is intentionally negative about most things associated with the 5:1:1 mix or the gritty mix, and even regularly sacrifices his credibility on the altar of negativity when it comes to these soils. It's not uncommon to see that happen. Turface, used appropriately, is a superb soil additive/amendment. Asking people who actually USE these soils, and considering them a reliable source is going to serve you much better than believing someone with an axe to grind. Al

Hello H. Thank you for your reply. There is a picture of the first two vandas I have in vases posted on 24th May. I have since bought three more and also put them in vases. The blue one is having another spike so I'm guessing they are happy. They will still 'live' in the same bedroom which is centrally heated and gets a lot of light even in winter,perhaps more than in summer due to the sun being lower and penetrating the room more. It will be impractical for me to have extra lighting but I was concerned that the vandas may get too cold should the heating be turned off as we don't have it on constantly.It was only for use on cold nights. The box would house the five vases which would stick up above the top of it (It's approx.3ft long, 18ins wide and 9ins tall) the whole thing could sit on a heat mat which could be switched on as and when needed but if you think it would not be necessary because it is beneficial to have a varience between temperatures then that would be better not to have the box anyway. I haven't set anything up yet to take a picture.Perhaps I'm being too cautious as I keep reading how warm they like to be kept. Hazel.

See, one reason why I appreciate all of you so much is that my brain doesn't bend like that! I think in squares. Curves never occur to me for some reason. But I like the idea! A crescent, huh? Hmmm.... I'm trying to see it, and what I am picturing is something flush with the foundation of the house, extending along the side of the walk and along the bulkhead. Curving in the center in a concave shape, towards the house. Is that what you meant? I wish I was good with Paintshop, I may have to try it when I get home this evening and post something. I like the obelisk idea a lot! I should note one change that will happen before too long. D'ya see the section on the right, where the bucket is and you can see the hose and the trash barrel behind it? That area is about to become a wall. We are expanding the kitchen, and the wall you see in the background will come out to be flush with the corner of the house. I forgot to mention that before, I'm sorry. I'm in construction mode, and since the GC is having trouble getting an electrician to commit to the job (long story), I am preserving my sanity by dreaming of flower gardens. Thanks again, Emmie

If I see it, when someone complains about the ads I look at how the ads are currently being delivered by reading the gobble-de-gook of the page source. I use some advertising supported software that is wonderful. I could swat the ads, but I don't for two reasons. The ad is actually targeted to something I could use and the ads don't move or flash or or make noise or get in the way of seeing what I'm trying to look at. I permit the advertising because it supports something good that I like. I am also happy to permit the ads on a variety of sites that produce content - like newspapers, blogs and commercial television. I understand that the ads pay for reporters, photographers, etc. I still off the ones that move or make noise, tho. On this forum, the terrific content is all user generated using old, weird software. We don't get iVillage sponsoring Q&A sessions with famous KD's or a chance to talk with famous chefs or the Bluestar engineers or Kraftmaid or the kitchen experts at Kholer. He--, we can't even get a FAQ area. long rant about how they could have controls over the advertising removed I miss skip. Here is a link that might be useful: Creepy, but find out who posts the most...