it is never straightforward, technology, is it? Everything installed and even a picture taken but either I am poking the connection in the wrong port (horrid messages flashing up saying hardware incompatibility) or summat else unthinkable. Also had to send off for memory card if I want to take more than 4 pics. Waiting for less technically challenged offspring (who are agile enough to grovel around at the back of the antiquated PC under my desk). Gah! I promise, this is not just a tease. Ingrid, have noticed a distinct coyness when it comes to posting personal pics - we are all quite happy to reveal our gardens, our pets and even our friends and relatives yet I cannot think of a single photo of an actual gardenweb contributor. So, I also promise to include one of myself, in all my toothless and plump glory (specially since the no eating icecream diet is apparently working).

I love lantana, too. I usually keep mine in pots or hanging baskets because of the winter cold. I rarely have it come back unless it's on the west side of the house. When I go off the mountain and down into the warmer So.Cal. zones I can find it growing like a tall shrub. There is a center median on a street near Loma Linda Hospital where it is huge and in bloom nearly year round. Gorgeous oranges, pinks and purples - always makes me want some skittles after I see it. ; ) I hope yours grows well for you. It really is a nice cottage plant. Diana

Teresa emailed me and asked me to post her pics. of the hawk that landed on her deck railing! She's having some problems getting Photobucket to cooperate with her, it appears!! :o) He may be *shopping* but it looks like he might be a vegetarian, instead of a vole hunter! Looks like he's eyeing her tomatoes pretty intensely,to me!!!! Good shots, Teresa---if you look closely at the second one, you can even see the glint in his eye!! I think he was messing with ya! LOL I'm not happy about hawks in my yard!! I love my chips and squirrels and my new little dog, more than those agreeably beautiful creatures of prey!!! I always chase them off, telling them to go *graze* in someone else's restaurant--not mine!!! I know--not the politically correct stance to take in a world of environmentalism gone manic!! I'm all for the balance as per the design, but I also appreciate the fact that I can manage my environment, responsibly, without making it more the priority than human beings and their quality of life and health!!! I'm only adding this to avoid any bashing from those who think some life creature forms are more privileged than others! I am all for their doing what they are designed to do, but if I can protect what I value most on my little 1/2 acre--I will with no guilt!! :o) No question about it--hawks are pretty awesome creatures--just enjoy them most in open fields! Now---if I have a plague of voles--I just might change my mind--I have that right, too, you know!!! ;o)

I'd go ahead and repot that plant now but I'd put in in something bigger than a 1 gallon container, maybe a 3-5 gallon pot for now. You don't need as much perlite for a rooted plant, just make sure that it's in a well draining mix. I don't use cactus mix at all. I use a brand of potting soil called Fafard and just add a bit of perlite, maybe 4 parts soil to 1 part perlite. That's for rooted plants only, not unrooted cuttings. I wish our HD sold plumerias or anything interesting for that matter. The most exotic plant the HD by me has ever carried was a nepenthes. Karyn