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I live in the Birmingham area with my 16 year old daughter, two cats, and one very spoiled Japanese Chin. I'm a Bookkeeper by profession and an artist by nature (that sounded presumptuous and I really didn't mean it that way...)

My daughter is mildly interested in gardening, however, the outcome of my labor is her main concern at this stage. The animals love to watch the activity, and they seem to really appreciate gazing out at the new wildlife that it has attracted.

My boyfriend is a Jersey transplant living in California who has absolutely no interest in horticulture or it's results, but understands that differences keep things interesting.

In 2001 I tried living in Southern California for about four months, but when circumstances dictated my return to Birmingham I stayed. The result of that experiment in lunacy is that I have discovered a new appreciation for the verdant green of this muggy city that I once took for granted.

I grew roses in my teens, but in this climate that can be a job of work and more than I am up for these days! This fall I'm getting my shaded perennial bed(s) amended and planted. At present the only plantable area I have is a 7' x 4' bed, but I am planning to dig more come spring. The soil here is a heavy mix of clayey hardpan and amending it is a budgeted task.

I've always liked bulbs, especially Iris, and have recently discovered perennials and, most especially, Hellebores.

My only real complaint is that being on the northwest end of my building I don't have enough sun for a really great display of tulips. But as a renter I have not had the chance to garden in a long time, and I'm grateful that I've lucked into my present situation with these landlords and have this much area outside my townhome.