There are no "natural" detriments to the aphids already on your plants such as wind, rain, and the insects that feast on aphids. Just to bring them in until you get your harvest in will work great though. It usually takes over a month - depending on the size of the plants, to really develop a serious infestation of aphids. I brought in over a hundred lady bugs last year and placed them on my plants, but it still didn't work. Most insects are limited in their lifetimes, and the daylight duration also starts them into death. A controlled environment (closet, box etc.) with lights on for 14 to 18 hours would probably be beneficial though. I am trying this year instead of just placing them in front of south facing sliding door. My habs were COVERED with aphids in 5-6 weeks, and it was ghoulish let me tell you! Neem oil may also help if you wish to keep them over the winter. Good luck!!! TiMo

Actually there are two Mr. Stripeys. The first one, called Tigerella is a small red with gold stripes and was bred by the Glasshouse Research inst in England and came out of the same cross that gave us Craigella and Tangella. I like the latter two but not the first one. Tigerella quickly became known as Mr. Stripey. Then the former owner of the stable of companies that were sold to Jung's a few years ago came up with a typical large gold/red bicolor of which there are about 150 similar varieties, sent the seeds to Seeds by Design in CA, a wholesale place, and they didn't know there already was a MR. Stripey so called this second oone Mr. Stripey as well. Thus leading to lots of confusion at several seed sites where the two were confused. Seeds by Design sends out a list of varieties to many commercial large scale farmers, nurseries and the like, which is why you see the large bicolor one at almost ALL of the big box stores and nurseries. But you say red with black stripes, probably dark green actually, and there are several varieties that look like that and one I know is at Territorial Seeds. Hope that helps. Carolyn

I've always had 'found', rescued, or adopted dogs/cats. There are a lot of good, caring people out there who want to provide at risk dogs a place to be safe. The biggest problem with allowing those good hearted, well meaning folks to shelter/foster animals is that those same folks seldom get the necessary training. Fostering animals means being ready to handle all kinds of potential problems. I've rescued many dogs. Several really difficult cases. I am in awe of successful fosterers. Seriously. They take the problem dogs because they can handle the stress and disruption over and over. But, more importantly, they have the place and experience to handle those animals. I failed to rehab a dog. I paid the program $125 for the dog. I knew the potential problems. I thought I was capable. I was, but did not have the time/place for what I actually got. It cost me several hundred dollars in damages(to my stuff and library books) before I decided to admit defeat. I have two now that have taken extensive rehab time. I now have that time(retired) and space. I rehabbed an extremely aggressive dog and the most pathetic excuse for an insecure dog I have ever seen. I could not foster. Too difficult. So, for those who try---GOOD FOR YOU!!!!! But, be aware most shelters do not have any idea of the real problems animals will exhibit in a home environment. And be aware that even when secure, well balanced pets at home, bringing in another animal will require some extensive adapting time. And, do not feel a failure when you cannmot succeed. Most times it is not the fostering person's fault.

Great find and I wouldn't have passed it up either. Glad your kitty is ok. Is the fabric rather heavy and have a 'sheen'? If so, it is likely chintz and should probably be dry-cleaned and not washed unless you don't mind the sheen going away. It will probably be somewhat wrinkled and yes, it will shrink some, so if that is an issue I wouldn't wash it.