That's what it is all about. Sometimes you hit on the right thing and sometimes (when you think it's sooo right) it fails Glad you received such approval from DH. Makes it all worth while.
Kaaren

Congrats!! It is absolutly wonderful when the family recognizes what you have done and progress made. Sounds like a perfect afternoon!! :-)

I myself appreciate the praise more when it comes from within the family - it is so easy for them to just overlook all the efforts put into making a pretty garden. Congrats on an observant hubby. It does sound pretty.

I love caladiums and have used them extensively every year - I know I should dig them up and store them properly but I just treat them as annuals and get new everyyear. I do buy the bulbs from a mail order source and this year planted over 75 in various containers and places in the garden. They just really brighten up a dark corner and don't mind the heat at all as long as they get some water.

We need to see pictures *hint - hint*.......

Lynne

Yeah, praise does mean more when it comes from family- esp my recalcitrant teen. If he notices, i know i did something right! :) Of course, i love pleasing hubby, too, and my daughter, but they're both freer with kudos.

Lynn- is it a lot cheaper mail ordering them? Who do you use? I tend to grab mine on sale at the big boxes. They don't have good selections this year though.

Tam - I order mine from the Caladium Bulb Company - they are not terribly expensive and the bulbs are large and healthy with multiple eyes. I like the fact that you can order quantities of the same variety for mass plantings. They also do have a nice variety to choose from - below is the link......

Lynne

Here is a link that might be useful: Caladium Bulbs

thanks, Lynn! i'll have to consider that early next year. I think miss muffet is my all time favorite. Florida sweetheart is really pretty too.

When your family loves your garden, too...it makes it all that much more enjoyable! I say "congratulations" for your wonderful vignette!

Cameron

It seems like men really like large-leafed colorful plants like canna and caladium. They have a masculine feel to them.

I saw so many containers a la caladium at Williamsburg last fall that I was inspired to use them in a couple of mine. And, with prices going up on everything, I intend to dig them up for next year. You know how those best intentions go!

If I can figure out how, I'll post a picture of them.

claire in sanford

Hehe, don't ya love it when people do those double takes!! Caladiums add so much Ooopmh! I like growing them as under plants to elephant ears, and other greens or strappy plants like amaryllis and crinums or grasses and tucked in front of evergreen shrubs. They can turn a blah bed into an eye popping one.