I also "inheritted" a schefflera (I am assuming this is what you mean by umbrella plant). Mine is schefflera arboricola, not variegated. The plant was severely root bound, was in the same pot for 10 years. In the spring 3 years ago, i repotted it. What i did was prune a lot of the outer roots off and teased the soil a lot to loosen up the tightly wound roots. I tried replacing as much soil as i could. I had some leaf drop afterwards, but this could also be because it was trying to become acclimated to my home. The following year i also severely pruned it because it was leggy, it responded pretty well. I plan on pruning it even further to make it more compact. I think this plant can handle a wide range of stress and responds nicely to repotting and root/trunk pruning. The plant was about 6' tall and 7' wide at first, it is now 5' tall and 4' wide, going to make it 3'x3' or 4'x4' when i prune soon.

lol! mike..this plant wow so many variation as to why leaves are turning yellow. gosh..true mystery! Sounds like you have been growing gardenias for awhile now. =) you know so much about them. Spring weather is bit crazy here in VA. We had 37 degee weather other night...then next day it got up to 90 degrees...-_-!! i left it outside for the weekend (90 and humid) since they love humidity..i thought it was a good idea. It seems to be maintaining - not worse or better. In anycase, i picked up another one from HD (as a backup) LOL..so pretty. This one is sooo big and huge flowers - very healthy leaves. I left it outside in semi shady spot all day sat..some shiny green healthy leaves turned yellow. I think it was bit shocked from 60-70 degree temp to 90. still looking good tho!!! will keep you posted. =) Oh as for roots..it looked good - it was really compact and i didn't want to loosen it too much. I didn't actaully take a good look either..losening the roots to look for rotted spots was impossible to do since it was root bounded and all the roots in circular motion at the bottom of previous pot. hmm i guess i can check if it progresses. Thanks - awesome mike! =)

Thanks digdirt - Yep.. picked up an electric toothbrush yesterday and went to town on the blossoms. I figure I'll hit them twice a day for fun. At the very least the flowers will be plaque free! By the way -- Do you think there is anything wrong with the Green Grape? Other than being really short, it seem healthy. Even has some toms on it. Here's a closer look (click to view full image):

I live in the SE, and have been to all the places you listed! The Two Meeting Street Inn is my favorite place to stay in Charleston, as it is right on the Battery there in the residential district. I am a runner, so those early morning jogs down those exquisite residential streets were heavenly to me.There are too many amazing restaurants to list...see if your concierge is a true local and find out where THEY eat! :) If you don't mind a little drive, it is easy to get from NOLA to Natchez...and there is a scenic Hwy. I LOVE Natchez...we stayed in this amazing place called Monmouth Plantation...oh, it was lovely and such a complete Southern experience. We stayed at the Windsor Court hotel in NOLA, which is in the Buiness District, but just a short walk to the French Quarter. It was the best of both worlds to me, you could enjoy the craziness of Bourbon St, but then walk back to a wonderful, quiet hotel! And so close to the Cafe du Monde for your breakfast beignets! I am jealous of your trip! You will have an amazing time in these places! Oh, and the Biltmore Inn makes you feel like you are truly a guest of the Vanderbilts...Inn guests get lots of special perks while on the property. We just went in June for our anniversary. :)