I've planted two Dawn Redwoods. One at my house ('Ogon') and a species type at my parents' house. This was the first year the 'Ogon' began making some strides w/ regard to height. The first growing year after I planted the species, it almost doubled in height; and the second growing season it did much of the same. They both responded well to the wet growing season we had. I had concerns about competing branches with my species type, but it worked itself out on its own. The 'Ogon' is quite flimsy still and requires staking. The species type is very sturdy, growing quickly both in height and caliper.

That is unfortunate news in my ears, and I regret that you did not obtain blooms in this long time span. On the other hand I am confident that I shall receive blooms in fall 2007 - provided the plants will now continue for a prolonged time in the magnitude of growth velocity which I actually observe. You certainly know that I administer lukewarm water - but from the bottom, including diluted fertilizer every time ( 1 ml/L of a liquid 6-3-6 brand). I definitely intend to use "Silhouette" for breeding purposes (if you have not guessed this already, too) - and I want to see the seedlings with their center stripe in my balkony box which I use as hippeastrummateous kindergardens, in the wisdom of numerousity - and regardless whether the ligament be creamy or pure white. And certainly you can also guess what knight star lily I have in mind to rendezvous this tiny "Silhouette" with. For now I wrap myself into silence (forgive my likely inappropriate terminology) - nevertheless these respective amaryllis' are overreadily waiting for their time to come, in rather huge containers

They are only three months old so look new. Absolutely no problems and the quality is very good. They operate very smoothly. I did custom order through Penney's. I first did my internet research and had several quotes online. The sales rep was able to beat all my quotes. It was nice to able to see the various blinds in person, then I brought home the sample books to match color. That proved difficult with the tiny samples but I wanted neutral and am happy with the results. You have the choice of separate head rails like I did, or a single head rail. They are easy to clean though I have not needed to yet. I haven't decided if I will put my drapes back up as I'm enjoying the clean look right now. Mine are 3/8" double cell, 40"x72". Each blind was $268 +tax. The top-down/bottom-up function does increase the price but I feel it was worth it for my application. Here is a link that might be useful: Cleaning Instructions

Frank, I recently purchased luminettes for my sliding patio door and a silhouette for one GR window. The HD book for both products has a guidebook that helps when selecting colors. So for example you choose off white for the luminette, if you look in the guide, it shows you the matching/complimentary color for the silhouette in that particular off white. The color selections themselves do not match but are very very close in color. You should ask your representative or the sales rep to let you look at the color guide.