As promised, we've started compiling a list of the best on-line plant dealers. The categories range from Amaryllis to Brugmansia, Begonias to Passiflora, Hibiscus to flowering tropical vines and seeds. These retailers offer excellent product, responsible packaging and shipping, courteous service and prompt problem solving. Once again, if you have a favorite seller, let us know.

Oftentimes, as I read through the various plant forums, i encounter letters from new hybridizers. After doing their homework, making a plan and racheting up their expectations, the much awaited blooms arrive. Some of those blooms are a sobering moment. The color isn't there. There are no real distinguishing characteristics that make the resulting blooms different enough to warrant being registered. Worse yet...ewwww, a pure white bloom. More often than not, the novice hybridizer says, "It just came out...white!" - as if this adds to the crash and burn. If you see something of yourself and your experience in this, take heart. We have a few insights into the situation that just might alleviate your angst.

Despite last year's freeze here in Florida, we managed to rescue some of our Hibiscus crosses. These crosses were made in Spring 2008, and the seed was harvested in the Summer of 2009. The outcomes were very interesting indeed!