Just took a walk thru the back garden and what a wonderful smell back there. Discovered it is coming from our LoQuat Tree. This is the second year it has bloomed, but last year it had so few blooms that it didn't perfume the air. It's wonderful. BUT in the front garden we had to do "Nose Patrol" to track down one of those mushroom thingies that start out looking like a white golf ball, and open up into a orange colored cage looking thing. Now that is a smell we can do without.

Larry, Macrophylla does not have any notable affect on fruit quality. I wouldn't grow citrus in volcanic soil, if I had a choice; volcanic soil binds the phosphorus, so you have to add a lot of extra P; fertilizer tends to leach out of the root zone more quickly also. The roots of cuttings or from seedlings tend to be weaker and more susceptible to root rot or drowning during our rainy season. I chose Macrophylla for my operation because it is very vigorous, relatively resistant, and I am planting my trees close to hedgerow them. I get full production at 3 years, 3-400 fruits per tree. Anyway, as I have said before it really is still just an experiment; I may find that the Macrophylla is a bit too vigorous, in which case I will choose another for future plantings.

Cheryl, Thanks for permission to steal your idea. Who said "Wmitation is the greatest form of flattery."? Also love the Gale Garnett quote. Isn't the next line "We'll dance in the raindrops, we'll dance everyday?" (A must add to our hurricane song list started during Hurricane Frances, if I can find it again, and a nice one to add to the garden.) I loved your yellow bike, too. What a happy garden you created, and thanks for sharing. Goldenpond!! That a gorgeous path. I love the design, both the flow and the materials. Thank you for posting the picture. My property isn't as big as your's, but I'd just love to meander down that path and look at your plants and smile. That installation must have been backbreaking, but the result is absolutely awesome. Unfortunately, my big dog is still too skizzy (at 7 1/2 years) to do the mulch, stone and paver combo. I keep thinking we need to get her into a drug sniffing or victim finding program. Yesterday she started barking like crazy in the back porch. I let her out and she ran like a thoroughbred horse the Belmont to the Powderpuff in the backyard. She started jumping up into the tree (no shrub anymore) and came out with a big old rat, which she killed, left in the yard and came back to look at me with big goofy, "did I do good eyes?". I honestly had no idea there was a rat in the yard, and had spent a few hours working on that spot next to the powderpuff. I'm sorry about all the cleanup you have to do to endure Fay. No fun! You have a lovely garden, and I appreciate your sharing the beauty. marilyn

Jasdip, Of course you only meant to pass on good wishes. I wouldn't ever think you were belittling or minimizing the day's meaning. chisue has it right, retailers make any opportunity to sell sell sell and so many Americans ignore or really don't know the real meaning of the day. bengardening, My condolences for the losses you have suffered over the past few years. I will pray you can find solace and remember the happier moments of your shared times. It is inevitable Death will eventually take all we love in time if it doesn't come for us first. Our only chance is that we might live full, enriching lives and pass on something special to others. Your father was a hero as are your husband and son. The releasing of the water from the dams is awful for so many people and it is not taken lightly by those who had to make this decision. Fact is it would be devastating and possibly deadly for many more should the dams burst (still a distinct possibility). This way, with warning, at least people are able to get affairs in order and take what they want from the planned flooding area. Nothing like a flash flood, a tsunami, a Cat 5 tornado, an earthquake or a wind whipped wildfire to make you see the better side of this. LIL