Sombra, did anyone mention to you that aloe vera only thrives in zone 9 to 11? And most of Canada was in zone 1 to 4 last time I checked (and I rather doubt they moved it, greenhouse effect or not).

Maybe if you actually planted zone-appropriate stuff?

Try "Tough Plants for Northern Gardens: Low Care, No Care, Tried and True Winners" by Felder Rushing. He is a hoot to read and has great suggestions for plants that will thrive as long as you put them in the earth 'green side up' and forget about them. I love his "Tough Plants for Southern Gardens" and feel sure the new book will be as good. It will be published by Cool Springs Press in January 2004 (ISBN: 1591860636).

Goes for you too, Pam

"You don't throw a whole life away just 'cause it's banged up a little" Tom Smith in "Seabiscuit"