General Discussion & Chat: Shes about too... #46, 1 by AuntB

AuntB wrote:
Good to see everyone! Thank you so much for such a warm welcome back to the thread. I only show you the pretty ones... I have many that aren't so big or mature (age only makes them more beautiful - kinda like us ;) Some grow slow, some grow small, some grow by leaps and bounds, some put out new starts and some are greedy.. what enjoyment and beauty they provide. Faye, you lil sweetie, thank you.. I will not stay away so long again.
40 at night is ideal for brugs... but I don't like it... means BELOW 40 isn't far away.. and I'm not ready. lol getting there, but a long way from loading them up.

Cat, I take a lot of the leaves off and spray the whole plant and top of soil with insecticidle(sp) soap.. making sure to coat under the leaves and the stems and into the growth tips. I've used Neem before, I don't like the oily residue it leaves behind but it does work...I also treat my brugs and tropical hibiscus with a Bayer product -12 month Tree & Shrub insect control - (used it in July 08 and then again, just last week) mix with water and drench the pots.. works great - Kim told me about it. I also will treat them with a systemic for roses. Then keep a watchful all winter for mites and aphids.. all that spraying and drenching and there's still no guarantee you won't find some kind of critter... but I'll take the chance..

I picked a bouquet last night. I took it to our local restaurant for the young lady who made us a pizza (she was having a bad day)... it smelled up the car and the restaurant.. (and brought a smile to her face-mission accomplished). This big pink one is Cupids Blush- I couldn't believe how BIG it was......bigger than my face, I HAD to show you! Sure didn't seem that big till I picked it..... Guess I've never really made them into bouquets (!!!, really??)... I don't think they last very long once picked, but I say pick a precious bloom and experience it---so rugged, yet so fragile... the texture, the color, the inside parts and of course that hipnotic smell -it's in your face... so interesting. I love brugs. (print out pic- works for scaring away mice -not mites-sorry:)
Have fun today.