ÿþ<html lang="en" xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xmlns:cctd="http://www.constantcontact.com/cctd"> <head> <title>Hidden Valley Hibiscus</title> <style type="text/css"> body {background-image:url(../images/magicmomentsbg.jpg); } h1 { font-size: 28pt; font-family: georgia; color: #003033; font-style: oblique; font-weight: 600; text-align: center; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } h2 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: #003033; font-style: oblique; font-weight: 800; margin: 0px 0px 10px 0px; } h3 { font size: 16pt; font-family: arial, sans serif; color: #003033; font-style: oblique; font-weight: 800; margin: 20px 0px 10px 0px; } h4 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: #000099; font-style: normal; font-weight: 800; text-align: center; margin: 40px 0px 10px 0px; } h5 { font-size: 18pt; font-family: Georgia, serif; color: #003033; font-style: oblique; font-weight: 800; margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; } h6 { font-size: 12pt; font-family: arial, sans serif; 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float:right; margin-right:5; margin-top:3"></span> <font face="arial" size="2"><b>Free Newsletter</b><br />Your email address</font><br /> <input type="text" id="ea" size="25" value="" style="font-family:Verdana,Geneva,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:10px; border:1px solid #999999;" /><br /> <input type="submit" id="go" value="SUBSCRIBE" class="submit" style="font-family:Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size:10px;" /> <input type="hidden" id="m" value="1011283009173" /> <input type="hidden" id="p" value="oi" /></form> </div> </td> <!-- END: newsletter signup ------------------------------------> <td align="center" valign="bottom"><img src="../images/logosm.jpg" /><br /> <h5 align="center">Hidden Valley Hibiscus<br /> <font size="2">Growers & Hybridizers of Exotic, Tropical Hibiscus</font></h5></td> <td valign="top" align="right" width="25%"> <font face="arial" size="3"><b>Volume 12, Issue 5<br />May 2011</b></font></td> </tr> <tr><td colspan="3"> <!--------- END: header and navigation ----------------------------------> <br clear="all" /> <h1>News from Hidden Valley Hibiscus</h1> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/orange.htm"> <img src="../images/hotpeppermulti.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> Hibiscus 'Hot Pepper' ~ A GREAT Bloomer!</a><br /> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/giants.htm">Hibiscus 'Magic Moments' in Page Border </a></font></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> <!-------- <a href="../pages/directions.htm"><h2 align="center"><font color="ff0000">Last Open House for 2010</a><br /> Saturday, October 30<br /> 11:00-3:00</font></h2> ------> <br clear="all"> <!----------------------- BEGIN GREETING ---------> <table cellspacing="10" class="maintext"><tr> <td valign="top"> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/doubles.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/heavenscentdoublet.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Heaven Scent' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/orange.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/bullseyet.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Bull's Eye' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/pink.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/stormykisst.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Stormy Kiss' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> </td> <td valign="top"> <p align="center">Greetings Fellow Hibiscus Lovers!</p> <p> Spring is well underway and summer is around the corner. It's time to really gear up and get our hibiscus going! Our main article this month, <a href="#article1" class="body">Summer Checklist</a> reminds you of everything you need to do to give your hibiscus their best possible start this summer. </p> <p> Our spring shipping is almost finished at HVH. All outstanding orders and slow plants will ship by June 15. If you haven't received all your plants yet, don't worry! We haven't forgotten about a single plant! We're just waiting for the slowest varieties to finish growing. Every year there are a few slower growers that need the extra time and go all the way into June. We wish all our plants would be ready to ship by April 1, but hibiscus have their own schedule, and it doesn't work to try to hurry them up.</p> <p> Our second article is a little tidbit of <a href="#article2" class="body">Exciting News at HVH</a>, and of course, at the very bottom of the newsletter, you'll find our newest <a href="#seedling" class="body">Seedling of the Month</a>. This month's beauty is a cute new multi-colored flower we named 'Bebop.' Take a peek!</p> <p align="center">Happy spring to all!</p> <p align="center">Charles &amp Cindy Black</p> <br clear="all" /> </td> <td valign="top"> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/multi.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/eveningcloudt.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Evening Cloud' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/blue.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/creoleladyt.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Creole Lady' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> <table align="center" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/red.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/blackdreamt.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Black Dream' </a></td></tr></table><br clear="all" /> </td></tr></table> <!----------------------- BEGIN ARTICLES ---------> <table class="maintext"><tr><td> <!----------------------- BEGIN ARTICLE 1 ---------> <br clear="all" /> <hr class="line" width="70%"> <p>&nbsp</p> <h1 align="center">Summer Checklist</h1> <a name="article1" /> <p> <table align="right" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/orange.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/blushingpeacht.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Blushing Peach' </a></td></tr></table> OK, most of us have new hibiscus plants, or are expecting new plants, and summer is almost upon us. What should we be thinking about or doing to grow the best darned hibiscus with the biggest and most colorful flowers possible? </p> <p>&nbsp</p> <h6 align="left">Pots or in the Ground?</h6> <p> Growing hibiscus in pots offers several advantages. Being able to move them around is the main advantage, but there are others, such as control over the soil the hibiscus is growing in. Growing in the ground is best for hibiscus and most plants, but the soil needs to be good for them and the weather year-round mild enough for survival of tropical hibiscus. If you have good soil, mild weather and don't see any advantage to moving your plants around, then by all means plant them in the ground. But, keep in mind that it is risky to plant baby hibiscus that arrive in 4 inch pots directly into the ground. It is safer to transplant them into 1-2 gallon (4-7 liter) pots and then transplant them into the ground later after they are larger and the root system better developed. </p> <h6 align="left">What Kind of Pots?</h6> <p> Hibiscus can be grown successfully in small pots but usually do a lot better in pots that measure at least 8" (20 cm) across and are called "2 gallon" (7-8 liters) or larger. Avoid transplanting into huge pots that are much larger than the pot the hibiscus arrives in. Save that for the second or third year that you have the plant. Stick with pots in the 8-12" (20-30 cm) size range the first year. </p> <p> <table align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/yellow.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/eyeofkalit.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Eye of Kali' </a></td></tr></table> Many types of pots are suitable for hibiscus. The main criteria is that they have sufficient drainage holes to allow excess water to drain out. Ceramic pots dry out more quickly than plastic pots, but also stay cooler in hot summer sun. Some people like to grow their hibiscus in plastic pots that are set into larger ceramic pots, so they get both good water retention and good cooling of the root zone in summer. </p> <p> Another option is to dig a hole in the ground large enough to drop the entire pot into. This keeps the pot cool and prevents summer winds from blowing the hibiscus over. It can also look nice and natural if you place mulch over the pot so that it gives the appearance of being planted. Then, in winter the entire pot is removed from the hole and placed in a warm and protected location for the winter. </p> <h6 align="left">What Kind of Soil?</h6> <p> <table align="right" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/giants.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/creolebellet.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Creole Belle' </a></td></tr></table> Potting mix is very important for successful growing of hibiscus. HVH offers the same <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/pottingmedia.htm" class="body">potting mix</a> we grow our own hibiscus in, but you can also buy high quality potting mix from a local garden center. Ask for the best mix they have that drains well. It is a nice bonus if the mix contains organic ingredients such as <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/wormcast.htm" class="body">worm castings</a>. </p> <p> If you are planting in the ground, it is best to amend soil using a planting mix that is recommended by a nursery professional. This will vary depending on where you live, and it is best to consult a local expert before amending your garden soil. Potting mix is usually not the best choice for amending garden soil. </p> <h6 align="left">How Much Sun?</h6> <p> Hibiscus love sun and warmth; however, there is a relationship between sun, temperature, and dryness. If all three are high, hibiscus are likely to struggle. In such conditions, try to lower one or more of these factors. For example, if you live where the temperatures are commonly very hot, say over 95&deg;F (35&deg;C), then hibiscus will do better if you can lower the sunlight by growing them in partial shade. If you cannot change either the temperature or the sunlight, then provide more moisture to help the plants compensate. The ideal is high light, moderate temperatures, and ample humidity, so do what you can to give your hibiscus these conditions within what is possible for your area. We have found in coastal Southern California that full sun and lots of water works well with the moderate temperatures we have most of the time. On extra hot days we recommend watering more often to prevent the plants from becoming stressed. <h6 align="left">What About Fertilizer?</h6> <p> Providing ideal nutrients is one of the most important things you can do for your new hibiscus. It is one factor that you have a lot of control over. We have found time and again that hibiscus grow better and flower more when they are well fed. There are not very many good fertilizers for hibiscus. We use and recommend the <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/fertilizer.htm" class="body">HVH Special Blend Fertilizer</a>. It contains all the major and minor nutrients that hibiscus need, and in the ideal ratio for getting the best balance of growth and blooming from your hibiscus. In areas where the water or soil pH is higher or more alkaline than neutral, we recommend the <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/acidfertilizer.htm" class="body">HVH Acid fertilizer</a> that provides an excellent balance of nutrients in a formula that is mildly acidic to help lower the pH. Both of these fertilizers are intended to be mixed with water before drenching the root zone of the hibiscus with the solution. Typically a 2-gallon watering can is used to mix the water and fertilizer and then it is poured directly from the can into the pots or over the roots of in-ground hibiscus. </p> <p> <table align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/white.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/inloveagaint.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'In Love Again' </a></td></tr></table> If you find that you are not able to take the time to apply fertilizer by hand mixing, the other good solution is to use the <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/trfertilizer.htm" class="body">HVH Timed-Release Fertilizer</a>. This is made of round pellets that slowly release the nutrients into the pot or ground over several months. They release faster in warmer weather and slower in cooler weather, but are good for about 6 months. This fertilizer is a complete one containing all needed ingredients ,but the ratio is not quite as good as the <i>HVH Special Blend</i>. It is, however, quite good and much better than no fertilizer at all. Some people like to use both. The <i>Timed-Release</i> serves as a solid base and the <i>Special Blend</i> is applies as often as they can get to it to provide that extra boost from time to time. Using the <i>Timed-Release</i> fertilizer is very easy - either mix the pellets into the potting mix before transplanting or sprinkle them over the surface of the soil if applied at a later date. </p> <h6 align="left">How Much Water?</h6> <p> Watering is the other variable that we have a lot of control over. It is also very important for getting the best performance from hibiscus. It is both art and science. That mostly means that you learn from experience and have to be sensitive to changes in conditions that require you to make changes in how often you water. This happens mostly in spring and fall - in summer most locations call for watering every day. Smaller pots and bigger plants require watering more often. A big plant in a relatively small pot will need water twice a day. </p> <p> <table align="right" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/brown.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/wakanishat.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Wakanisha' </a></td></tr></table> Don't have the time? That's OK, there are several solutions. The best is to install a <a href="../care/dripsystem.htm" class="body">drip system</a> and a <a href="../care/timerfertinjector.htm" class="body">timer</a> to run it. This takes a little effort or expense to set up but it pays off with years of carefree watering that the hibiscus really thrive on. </p> <p> If you are not up to a drip system at the moment, another ways to lessen the amount of time spent watering is to use larger pots so that there is more water available to the plant, or to plant the hibiscus in special "self watering" pots that contain a reservoir that you refill with water once or twice a week. Whether the hibiscus are in the ground or in pots, make sure that the entire root zone is thoroughly watered each time you water. The best technique is to water several plants while standing in one location and then watering the same plants again and perhaps even a third time before moving on to other plants. It is rarely possible to provide enough water with one pass of the hose. Check it yourself - tip the plant out of the pot after watering and look for the water mark on the rootball. Too often only the top inch or two of the rootball has been watered, and the rest is very dry. </p> <p>&nbsp</p> <h6 align="left">What About Pests?</h6> <p> Pests can be a problem with hibiscus. A garden with a lot of different plants around will usually host plenty of predatory insects that will keep the pests off of hibiscus. However, sometimes the pests get the upper hand and you need to step in to help the hibiscus deal with them. Arrival of new hibiscus from a nursery is a prime danger point for infecting your plants with insect pests. Nurseries are often hotbeds for pests and only the best nurseries take sufficient care so that the plants they ship are free of insects. Keep a careful eye on your hibiscus for 2-3 weeks after adding new hibiscus to your collection. Even better, spray the newcomers pro-actively, assuming they are carrying pests. We do our very best at HVH to make sure we never ship pests to you, and feel that our plants are among the cleanest in the industry, but we still advise you to be careful with all new additions. Particularly watch out for plants that come from Florida because as nice as the state is, the tropical environment is host to many pests that do not naturally live in the rest of the USA. Some of these are quite difficult to control, so it's a case of buyer beware. </p> <p> <table align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/minis.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/wildchildt.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Wild Child' </a></td></tr></table> So, assuming that pests will occasionally be a problem, what are the best products for controlling them? Fortunately, there is one pesticide, <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/safari.htm" class="body">Safari</a>, that will control many of the sap-sucking insect pests. It is easy to apply since you just spread it on the soil over the roots and then water it in. It is a fairly long-lasting systemic so one application will last 3-4 months. You can find it at some garden centers and we offer it from the HVH website. It will take care of aphids, whiteflies, many mealybugs and some scale insects. Unfortunately, Safari does not do much against flower thrips or spider mites since they do not feed on the plant sap that contains the active ingredient after it is applied. </p> <p> For flower <a href="../care/thrips.htm" class="body">thrips</a> that mark up blooms and cause almost mature flower pods to drop before opening, the best pesticide is a mild organic one named <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/spinosadinfo.html" class="body">Spinosad</a>, also available from the HVH website or some local garden centers. Alternatively, the older and less desirable chemical named acephate (Orthene) is also good at controlling thrips. </p> <p> <a href="../care/spidermites.htm" class="body">Spider mites</a> cause leaves to turn yellow and fall from hibiscus bushes. A bad infestation can leave a hibiscus almost completely defoliated. This loss of all leaves is very stressful - sometimes so much so that the plant eventually dies. It is far better to fight off the spider mites before they cause this to happen. Unfortunately, there are no good chemical solutions available to the home gardner. The best defense is strong water sprays, or spray applications of horticultural oil and/or horticultural soap. We offer the <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/bugblaster.htm" class="body">Bug Blaster</a> from our site, which is a hose-end attachment that allows for spraying up under the leaves of hibiscus where mites live and feed. We also offer <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/horticulturaloilinfo.html" class="body">horticultural oil</a> in several formulations and a soap and oil mix called <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/cleanleaf.htm" class="body">Clean Leaf</a>. Any of these can be used to prevent an infestation of mites from spreading. </p> <p> <table align="right" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/rarefoliage.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/africanprincesst.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'African Princess' </a></td></tr></table> Probably the most convenient way to apply the horticultural oil is with the hose end oil sprayer that arrives ready to be attached to a garden hose. You just screw it onto the hose, turn on the water, and the oil is automatically mixed into the water in the hose in just the right amount and it comes out of the nozzle as a fine mist that you direct onto the leaves of the plant. This summer we are offering our <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/horticulturaloilinfo.html" class="body">Hose-End Horticultural Oil</a> at a very reduced price so that everyone can treat mites easily, cheaply, and effectively if needed. </p> <h6 align="left">Can I Maximize Blooming and get Bigger, Brighter Flowers?</h6> <p> Healthy hibiscus make great flowers. If you feed them, water them, and keep the insect pests off of them, they will pay you back with large and colorful flowers. However, there is also another little secret for getting the brightest colors and the biggest blooms. Long used by hibiscus show people, the application of potassium, as in our <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/booster.htm" class="body">HVH Hibiscus Booster</a> either by spraying it on the leaves or drenching it into the soil, will give a noticeable boost to your hibiscus flowers. Be careful not to overuse it or you could cause some leaf drop, but used at recommended rates this special nutrient will max out the size and colors of your hibiscus blooms. </p> <h6 align="left">What Else Can I do to Keep My Hibiscus in Tip-Top Health?</h6> <p> At HVH we have done a lot of experimenting with hibiscus. Out of all that experience, we have discovered or developed some additional products that you might find as helpful as we do. </p> <p> What we call the <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/houseplantformula.htm" class="body">HVH Houseplant Formula</a> is actually the best fertilizer we offer. It contains the HVH Special Blend fertilizer, the HVH Booster, the HVH Growth Enhancer, extra minerals, and protective factors all mixed into one liquid fertilizer. The feedback we get from those who try this product is very positive. We use it ourselves on all 100 or so of our own houseplants, and in our greenhouse we use it on any plant that shows signs of stress or illness. It is just as effective on outdoor hibiscus as indoor ones, but was originally designed to help houseplant hibiscus overcome the stress of that somewhat unnatural environment. It is ideal for plants that are recovering from an insect attack, or suffering from too much cold weather, or have been neglected and allowed to dry out so much they wilted. </p> <p> <table align="left" style="margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/pink.htm"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/crimsonkisst.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> 'Crimson Kiss' </a></td></tr></table> Our <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/growthenhancer.htm" class="body">Growth Enhancer</a>, also available in the HVH Houseplant Formula, is a product named <i>Supernova</i> that is an extract of a special algae that is naturally very high in plant growth hormones. This stuff is amazing, and will help any hibiscus achieve its highest potential. It is not a fertilizer, but it helps plants use fertilizer to grow faster and stronger and to bloom more. When we first tried it, we didn't know what to expect. But, to our happy surprise, the results were very noticeable and have continued to be over the years that we have used it. It is as good for stressed plants as it is for healthy ones and we recommend that everyone have a bottle of this ready for use at the first sign of an unhappy plant. </p> <p> If you have a plant in bad straits, for instance if cold weather or spider mites caused most leaves to fall off, then another way to get the plant growing again is to apply <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/wakeup.htm" class="body">HVH Wake-Up Spray</a> to the leaves and stems. This product contains just the right amount of a plant hormone called <i>gibberellic acid</i> that stimulates the growth points to start growing again and "jump start" the hibiscus. Although it is not for continuous use the way <i>Growth Enhancer</i> is, <i>Wake Up Spray</i> is a powerful tool to get stressed plants growing again. </p> <p> One very simple thing you can do to help your hibiscus grow strong is to use bamboo stakes when the plants are young or when you first put them in your garden. All HVH hibiscus are shipped with bamboo poles that protect the plant during shipping. We recommend that you use these bamboo poles to support the newly arrived plants from wind while they adapt to their new growing environment and new pots. The HVH plants are not accustomed to wind and some varieties need staking their first summer so that they grow straight and upright. Simply use twist ties to connect the main stem of the hibiscus to the pole while leaving a little space between pole and stem so that the stem can continue to expand naturally as it grows. Remove the bamboo when it is no longer needed. </p> <p> We hope this summer checklist will help you be prepared to get the most enjoyment out of your new hibiscus. It is a good basic primer on how to grow hibiscus, but please look over the HVH web site for more details on the subjects introduced here. Also, the <a href="../forum/index.php" class="body">HVH Forum</a> is up and running and with over 700 members is an ideal place to look for answers or ask questions. </p> <p>&nbsp</p> <!----------------------- BEGIN ARTICLE 2---------> <br clear="all" /> <hr class="line" width="70%"> <p>&nbsp</p> <h1 align="center">Exciting News at HVH!</h1> <a name="article2" /> <p> <table align="right" style="margin-left: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px" class="pic"><tr><td align="center"> <img src="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/images/hvhpropertysm.jpg" class="frame" /><br /> The New Building Site of HVH </td></tr></table> Over the last 16 years, HVH has been slowly growing. What started out in a tiny little greenhouse in our backyard has now become a full-acre greenhouse in a large commercial greenhouse space. But now even that isn't big enough for us. For several years we have been searching for the right property where we could build as many greenhouses as we need well into the future. But as most Southern Californians know, flat property is very difficult to find here in our rocky, hilly part of the state. </p> <p> Now we have finally found the perfect property - 5 acres of perfectly flat land near a little town called Hemet. It's a beautiful rural setting, surrounded by mountains, and yet close to the main freeway that runs through this region. There's not much to see there yet! We have a lot of work to do to build enough greenhouse space to house all our hibiscus. It will take us at least two years to get all the building and moving finished. But when we are finished, we will be able to do things we have never been able to do in leased commercial space, such as: <ul> <li>We'll be able to open to the public for Open Houses, and bring customers right into our greenhouses.</li> <li>We'll be able to get phytosanitary certificates to ship to the European Union, and several other countries too.</li> <li>We'll be able to triple the size of our greenhouse space!</li> <li>We'll eventually be able to open our own walk-in retail hibiscus store!</li> </ul> <p> We have our work cut out for us. None of this will happen fast or magically. In the meantime, we will be unable to have our normal summer Open Houses. We hope to have one Open House in mid-summer, but it's not yet a certainty. For this first year, our Open House customers may have to order online! We apologize for this! But we promise that in the end, in the near future, we'll have better Open Houses than ever before in our new greenhouses! </p> <!----------------------- BEGIN SEEDLING OF THE MONTH ---------> <br clear="all" /> <hr class="line" width="70%"> <p>&nbsp</p> <table align="right" style="margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 10px; margin-top: 10px;" class="pic"><tr><td> <a href="http://www.hiddenvalleynaturearts.com/acatalog/multi.htm"> <img src="../images/bebop.jpg" alt="Tropical Hibiscus 'Bebop'" class="frame" /><br /> Hibiscus 'Bebop' </a></td></tr></table> <h2 align="center">Seedling of the Month...<br /><br /> 'Bebop'</h2><br /> <a name="seedling" /> <p> 'Bebop' first interested us when it was just a seedling plant. We watched the excellent bush branch out and reach for the ceiling of the greenhouse before it ever bloomed. It was noticeably more vigorous than the seedling plants around it, and its tendency to branch out naturally boded well for future plants. When Bebop first bloomed we saw that we had a bright and energetic flower with good form and a medium size of 6-7 inches. We do a lot of hybridizing looking for better hibiscus plants, not just better flowers. 'Bebop,' we hope, is destined to be one of these. </p> <p> The current crop of 'Bebop' plants that we have available in the store is the first group taken from cuttings from the original seedling plant. If the clones do as well as the seedling plant it will become a special hibiscus, we feel sure. Check out the flower and if it appeals to you you may want to give this one a try. After this group is sold out, there will be no more available until next year. </p> <br clear ="all"> <!----------------------- BEGIN FOOTER ---------> <br clear="all" /><hr /> <script language="JavaScript" src="../footer.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <CopyRight></CopyRight> </td></tr></table> </div></td></tr></table> </body> </html>