You're in Michigan? In some parts of Ohio, spirea are late to leaf out this year b/c of the unusally cold early spring. I have several varieties (Anthony Waterer, Magic Carpet, Little Princess and Goldmound), all of which have pink flowers of different shades. Only the Goldmounds are covered in leaves, and that has only occurred within the last 48 hours. The others are only now starting to show some signs of life and only a little at that--but I know they'll kick in to gear once we have consistently warmer temps. Spirea (except for one or two not mentioned--can't recall the names but they have white flowers), can be cut back pretty hard without damaging them. They can get a little out of control and taking off even more than 50% helps to rejuvinate them. As for flowering, I have found that deadheading (pinching off the bloom) shortly before the blooms completely fade away and occassional light pruning through the season increases repeat, more profuse blooms.

Annual bluegrass, "Poa annua" will do that and many sellers of grass seed include this "weed" in their mixes for some unknown reason. What is your soils pH? What is the level of organic matter in your soil? What is the nutrient level and is it balanced? What kind of life is in your soil? How well does your soil drain? Contact the local office of your University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Service about having a good, reliable soil test done and then dig into yor soil with these simple soil tests, 1) Structure. From that soil sample put enough of the rest to make a 4 inch level in a clear 1 quart jar, with a tight fitting lid. Fill that jar with water and replace the lid, tightly. Shake the jar vigorously and then let it stand for 24 hours. Your soil will settle out according to soil particle size and weight. A good loam will have about 1-3/4 inch (about 45%) of sand on the bottom. about 1 inch (about 25%) of silt next, about 1 inch (25%) of clay above that, and about 1/4 inch (about 5%) of organic matter on the top. Drainage. Dig a hole 1 foot square and 1 foot deep and fill that with water. After that water drains away refill the hole with more water and time how long it takes that to drain away. Anything less than 2 hours and your soil drains too quickly and needs more organic matter to slow that drainage down. Anything over 6 hours and the soil drains too slowly and needs lots of organic matter to speed it up. 3) Tilth. Take a handful of your slightly damp soil and squeeze it tightly. When the pressure is released the soil should hold together in that clump, but when poked with a finger that clump should fall apart. 4) Smell. What does your soil smell like? A pleasant, rich earthy odor? Putrid, offensive, repugnant odor? The more organic matter in your soil the more active the soil bacteria will be and the nicer your soil will smell. 5) Life. How many earthworms per shovel full were there? 5 or more indicates a pretty healthy soil. Fewer than 5, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service, indicates a soil that is not healthy. All of this will help you make your soil into that good, healthy soil that will grow a strong and healthy turf that will crowd out the "Poa annua"., but it will take some time and probably more then a year. Here is a link that might be useful: UG CES

Lois, I plan on taking it to retreat. I have the various sizes 9, 7, 5, 3 ready to be sashed with black and have taken a picture of the layout so I don't forget what I have in mind. The fabric I bought at Blue Bamboo turned out to be more blue than the bright turquoise I was wanting. Looked in the other quilting stores I went to for an oriental TOT but didn't find any, so bought what looks to be a batik. We'll see how it ends up. @:) SharonG/FL

Just last night,our one neighbor told me that God sent me to him. He has to travel for work (right now is a busy time of year for him.Insurance salesman) His brother always took care of his 3 dogs,but no longer wanted to.It's a 1/2 hr drive for him everyday.I didn't know that he didn't want to do it anymore,but told Larry to tell him that if he wanted,I could watch his dogs when he has to travel.He told him last Saturday and the poor man almost cried! He said he couldn't believe it! He was so worried about what to do with his dogs and here comes Larry with a remedy! LOL! I didn't want any money,I'm only a house away so no gas used or anything.And I'm not working anymore,so lots of free time.I just watched them for 4 days (he got home last night) and he insisted on giving me 50 dollars.He's leaving again on Sunday for a week.He has a beautiful little chi (I kept her here..LOL!) a White Shepard and a yellow Lab mix.All I do is go over and let them out,feed and water them.Then at night go put them in the house.Easy Peasy! He has a big fenced in yard so they stay out all day. I never saw anyone say Thank You so many times! I told him not to worry...I LOVE dogs and enjoy doing it.