Well, Catherine, I was going to let it go, but I just can't. It bothers me that someone thinks I would put my own children at risk. I happen to be a medical doctor (a surgeon) and a PhD. I have also studied and worked in the public health sector and have published university level research in public health and epidemiology. While I don't consider myself an expert in ponding - hence my time trolling this board - I do consider myself an expert in health and wellness. It's what I do every day, and have done every day, for the last 28 years of my life. Over that time I have been presented with, diagnosed and treated pretty much every human disease there is to see, first hand. I also know how serious even minor conditions can become if left untreated or ignored. I am risk-cognizant myself and will teach that same concept to my children when they are older. For my children now, though, I am very risk-adverse. I would never risk the health and well-being of my children, under any conditions. And your suggestion that I have done so is quite irritating to me and, in my opinion, erroneous. Quite frankly, it is simply ludicrous to suggest that there is a potential health implication from being in a backyard pond, particularly one with ample water flow, aeration and plenty of sunlight. I would venture to guess that there is a greater risk of slipping, falling and hitting your head on a rock in your pond then there is in wading in it. That being said, if you feel that there is risk in *your* children being in a pond then, by all means, keep them out. But, don't begin to tell me what to do with *my* children when I am fairly confident I understand the potential risks better than you. Regards, -Chris

I suspect (but am too scared to test it) that it will be fine outside over Winter. It sat next to a glass window pane all Winter and didn't seem to suffer. It got to about -4 here if that helps? I know it's hardy because I accidentally watered both of them with scalding hot water and they were fine. Whoops!

My guest bath toilet didn't drain properly after I bought this house (completely remodeled). Really, really slow draining. I couldn't clear it with a plunger, but I could get it flowing a little faster, then it would slow after a while. Called a plumber; he took the toilet out and found a plastic grocery bag that had been left on the top of the pipe during construction to block sewer gasses. The slobs had just installed the wax ring and the toilet right over the plastic bag. Fortunately, it wasn't completely sealed off. One of many screw-ups in this place (including a medicine cabinets mounted upside down, central air not hooked up to electricity nor Freon valve opened, gas shutoff installed wrong, carpet installed over gap where a wall was taken out and the 2x4 shoe wasn't replaced, walboarded over forced air vents, and on and on...). Oddly, the tiling is great.

Australia has a very strict quarantine on incoming plants, that's why. what, you did not know? and of course you'll have to pay for shipping ...a-ha-ha...- makes no sense whatsoever! the cutting won't survive the long process in any case. you prolly can get something similar from Thailand faster and with phyto certificate.