> There have been endless reports of such and >such well known specialty firm being bought by Giant Humongous Ltd. Pty and >being promptly, and irretrievably, run into the ground. Dear Roger, Although I tend to agree, I like to 'think' that these business oriented operators can streamline without dumbing down. Nothing substitutes for the uniqueness of the old mom-n-pop (or variation on that) business. >Sayonara, Parks. Sayonara, Jackson & Perkins. Hate to be a rumor monger, but Wayside is the 3rd Musketeeer in this group. Can its failure be far behind. I forgot to mention that even Hines - once one of the top 2 or 3 wholesale nursery/suppliers in the country is still struggling through bankruptcy proceedings. Good luck to all. Jim W. -- Dr. James W. Waddick 8871 NW Brostrom Rd. Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711 USA Ph. 816-746-1949 Zone 5 Record low -23F Summer 100F +