Discoqueen - it's an elder bush. Sambucus nigra - a very common self sowing native. You will need to cut it right down and then, if you can't dig out the roots, apply some sort of brush killer to the stumps. Before anyone says, why destroy an edible, these things are native here and sprout all over the place. They are a bit too common and a bit too large to tolerate in our small gardens.

Im doing a dance! I actually figured it out! Thank you guys! ==>> its nice to teach.. congrats ... you should have filmed the dance... lol .. take care ... ken ps: you said: I planned on planting it in dirt ... one more lesson .... MEDIA is what goes in a pot ... there is good media.. and not so good media ... mother earth is SOIL ... it does not work well in pots .... media is all about water management ... and soil is usually not manageable in a pot ... DIRT .. as you call it.. is what is all over you and the workspace.. when you are done playing with soil or media ... lol ... when it all boils down ... gardening.. is just an excuse for adults... to play in soil/media ... channeling their inner child ... as you did.. with your dance.. lol ... i am sure.. the peeps here.... can guide you on how to go forward.. in planting your bulb ... and what to plant it in.. and how to do it ...

Siam, I've been looking for it on the internet and can't find it. The shape of the body, with the tapered end, makes me think it's some type of Heterocampa moth, but, the spikes and the coloration make me think it might be some type of Heliconian or longwing butterfly caterpillar. Any chance the weed might be a passionvine? I don't have any books about caterpillars, moths, or butterflies from the West Indies, so I'm going to see if I can find one to order. I have a book case full of nature books, but there's still room for a few more books! Sherry

My thought was mid-century craftsman because those rails were very common then ... but more more common on ranch style brick subdivision homes than on craftsman homes that tended to have larger square wood posts, often atop pillars made of the same block or brick as the foundation -- at least that's what I remember from my own home town. The metal porch posts and railings appear to be in good shape and doing their job well; and if maintained (properly prepped and painted as needed) they'll likely last a very long time. So, no, you don't need to replace the metal railings unless you are one of those people who prefer to follow fads and choose style over function ... and IF are willing to pay for it -- replace any wood you use for style as it fails (a lot quicker than properly maintained metal rails would). I actually prefer the porch posts and rails white; however, I do notice you have a black ?metal? lamp post so if black metal is your preference, or if you prefer the same color as your siding or any other color for your porch rails and posts, then there is no reason why your porch posts and railings should not reflect your personal color taste. You have a really nice looking home, including the porch, so I hope you are able to take the time to enjoy it, especially in spring and fall.