Hi Toni The potting mix for leaves needs to be very light with at least fifty percent perlite which creates air pockets for the roots to breathe. Then add potting mix. I get the one labelled for AVs from Ace Hardware and Garden Center. Some people add some vermiculite which retains moisture in the mix. They should be placed in very small cups such as very small solo cups with small holes cut in the bottom for drainage. I use an Xacto knife also bought at Ace. Sometimes I cut about a 3/4" around from the top of the cup if it seems too tall. It is better for no more than one or two per cup because when they grow, they need space. If you cannot do this all in one day, put the leaves in water with a pinch of sugar. You can find many photos on this forum for rooting leaves and samples of trays with clear plastic lids to put them in after putting them into each small cup. You can also find the trays with tall covers at Ace. Because you live in Calif you probably have an Ace near you. The leaves will take nine months to grow to the small plant stage so they won't take up much space for a long time. You will start to see many more white plants in stores. It can be hard to find pure white but I saw Optimara has a new one on their website also. Yes, some folks like older or vintage violets. Have fun. J

Hi, Mac. According to the previous owner the swales were redone as were the foundation drains. It's likely they weren't done exactly right (I don't think she's lying about it and it looks like all the drains have new fittings). Do you think that if the rain spouts are emptying into the foundation drain area that this could be causing the problem? The thing is, the ground outside is bone dry - we have a big overhang and a large, very thirsty maple nearby (we have to have the roots cut out of the drain system routinely). I was thinking of installing a bunch of rainbarrels and then doing hoses at the tops to divert overflow away from the house. What do you make of that? The drylock is just for ambient moisture (because the concrete is so gross now). Does it look to you like the water is coming from that gas pipe? AND thank you so much for responding. I was hoping to avoid digging up all the soil around the foundation, but it seems like we might not have a choice. That kind of sucks. : (

summersrhythem, I read your comment about the heat from the stones..I just figured out (this year) that my Nahema, Sharifa and some other flowers, are not doing well in a bed by my garage. Reflected heat from my light brick and concrete. If you look at the Belinda full bush picture, you will see what I am talking about. I was facing North when I took the picture. That area gets very early morning sun, then dappled from the pines, then full blast from around 10:30 to 3:00. Pure oven. I have planted a white crepe myrtle right behind Belinda. I can keep it limbed up so it is open, but offers some dappled light. (I have several other white in the yard) That strip behind the fence leads up to my breezeway and door, so I want it to look good!

I'm Kate and I live in the Central Valley of California - where it is presently 106 degrees.... for the next two weeks... or more. I am quite interested in this forum since my body has decided that there are things I just can no longer do. I have been an avid gardener for 60 years and am quite put-out by what I find I can no longer do. Thank goodness I have a Mow, Blow and Go team that will do small quick tasks for me when I ask, and larger ones that I pay extra for their doing. I successfully grow everything - but the fruit trees - in huge Pots, and so continue to enjoy fresh veggies as long as the heat allows. It is July and so I'm limited to squashes, peppers and tomatoes. Later I will plant a Fall crop of beans, etc. Winter will have the peas and cooler-growing vegetables that most of the nation grows in the Spring. I try to stay active as possible and my gardening still is part of that plan.