Deadheads, come on down. We have a place for you. See the link below. Every few years we are invaded by the Deadheads. Their colorful vans are dotting the parking lots all over town. It brings back memories. Here is a link that might be useful: Deadheads ;Welcome

Sky, Sorry you had a wet ride home, miserable, as was the downpour we had. I was a bit worried that the traffic would be bad and your hitting more storm. Good to hear you are safe and now dry. We actually missed being out in the storm, something watching over us as we left Nancy's just in time to get home before the hail hit. Although we were in town when the tornados were running around and the wind was rocking the cars. Not only could we feel it inside mine (I thought we were going to move into the car beside us), you could see the vans/SUVs rocking back and forth. Nancy, did you get any of this? I thought for sure we were driving out of it and you were the one that would get hammered. Hope all that went through this surprise have their gardens okay too. Mine is fine, as much hail that was covering the ground, the plants actually look okay. Even the tomatoe plants faired well. Sky wasn't kidding, we discussed where to go if the tornado hit and the bathtub was our option. I can just imagine the story we could tell if it happened. Two little ladies and two big, wet smelling dogs. Nothing comfy about this possiblity. And, yes, thanks to our Nancy's for the time they gave us to visit and enjoyment of seeing the gardens. Both places are beautiful with envy of all growing. I learned a lot about different species and certainly helps me know what to look for in getting the right plants for the right places. And both of you mentioned how odd this year has been, blooms at wrong times, some late and some early. Our plants are confused.

Maryl, I don't think your climate is hotter than here in North Texas, and ROBERT CLEMENTS seems to like it here. The only drawback is how long it takes to grow the tiny Heirloom bands. My MILVA is on fortuniana rootstock and blooms all the time. It needs regular spraying, though. CALIFORNIA DREAMIN' is a beauty and blooms a lot. It does not have exhibition centers all the time, but who cares? Yes, all of mine are doing fine with no bugs around. I took more pictures this morning, because we are getting a hard freeze and that should be that until spring! Now post some of yours to keep us dreaming of roses!

Tetracha (Megacephala) carolina Pan-American Big-headed Tiger Beetle photo & distribution map usgs Now don't get a "big head" from having photographed it so nicely. Tiger beetles can always go faster!