Mother, Here is a thread on Growing Tropicals in the North. There hasn't been much chat on it recently but if you post there you will get some discussion and there are several very knowledgeable people follow that thread.
The thread "Growing tropicals in the north" in Tropicals forum
I love your Olive Oil can planter.

Great link Holly.

Some container shots...

Nice Chuck. I really love the garden watchdog.
The container with the dark leaved elephant ear is stunning.

Thanks Lynn....Actually had a concrete, same size as my pet boxer, made for that area....He watches over my flowers....Lol....First year that I did "Elephant Ears!".....There's no in between here as neighbors and others either really love it or the opposite!....Interesting!

To the person who wanted to know, this particular container came originally filled with Botticelli cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil from Italy... Yes it will rust away, but it is easily replaced.. Holes are easily punched for drainage, and it even adds soluble iron (rust) for the roots. MR

Chuck I just love the fence buckets they look so great and all I can say is WOW on that gorgeous planter with the dark EE's

Love the can MR. What is the name of the plant growing in it? The leaves are lovely.

Chuck I grew up with a Boxer, and had several over the years. Wonderful dogs.

MotherRaphaela said:To the person who wanted to know, this particular container came originally filled with Botticelli cold-pressed extra-virgin olive oil from Italy... Yes it will rust away, but it is easily replaced.. Holes are easily punched for drainage, and it even adds soluble iron (rust) for the roots. MR

• Creeping Fig (Ficus pumila 'Variegata')
• Uploaded by MotherRaphaela

I'm sure the person who wanted to know appreciates knowing now Mother Raphaela.

It is likely that person was also glad to hear that that your Hello;.......was not also goodbye.

Your site and efforts were looked at and have been appreciated.

I will look forward to hearing more from you.

Keep up the good works and be blessed for all your efforts.

David Paul

Indeed Mother R., I too enjoy looking at any and all new ideas for containers....I have taken notice of many of yours....Best of luck!

Lynn, the tag says Ficus pumila variegata... We almost never go to Walmart, but I was with Mother Michaela for some reason and while she was shopping I checked out the garden department... A flat of these was looking pathetic and this one convinced me it needed to be rescued... It's turned out to be a very nice and attractive indoor pet. MR

Here's another source: http://www.hirts.com/Creme-Gre...

Very nice MR. That definitely would make a great house plant, one that would enjoy going outdoors for summer vacation.
Looking at your photo you would never know that it had been through difficult times.

Here's my buddy Hugo, a 4 yr. old....Left out this container pic from the corner near my garage door

Awwww, just look at the adorable face. Hugs to you Hugo.

Aww look at Hugo he is so cute. The best container you have.

Here is my NOID sedum overflowing out of my repurposed fountain (container of sorts).



This is Sedum Dragon's Blood in a clay container set in a wire pot holder which is nestled in the crazy NOID sedum.

Connie your NOID sedum is sarmentosum also know as Graveyard Moss.

Finally, I have a name for it. Thanks very much, Holly. It sure is a wanderer!

I love the overflowing fountain, what a great way to use it. Your 'Dragon's Blood' has more red color to it than mine does. But mine doesn't get full sun, just 1/2 day of sun.
Very nice Connie.