Nelda - You are very kind to try to help. The problem is, this is not a wound, per se. I believe now after thought that it is some kind of tumor growth, black and slippery. I have since found out that he is very elderly and was 'given' to some other people a week ago. He was very weak and near death. I can say candidly, the people who had this poor fellow are very, very poor and would not bother further, I am certain. In fact they would think it think it nuts to spend this kind of time and effort, whereas I would do it without question. The wife of the original couple I thought owned it came down and took him back home for her husband to assess when he gets home - as they have chickens and roosters and grew up with them. She had seen him a week ago and so knew his story. She agreed his future was dismal if returned to those folks and we both agreed euthanasia might be a kindness, however regrettable, because there is something really unhealthy going on with that tumor in an elderly bird. It would be a mercy for him to no longer have to suffer the misery of the flies bombarding him. The people who had this fellow would put him in a small cage with no attention - I just couldn't have that; it would be excruciating for this handsome fellow to go out that way. The poor guy was very weak from his days lost in the woods and no doubt the mild, gentle handling was even a strain, but he just laid in my arms in the towel and was then just lying looking very near death, and was becoming cool to the touch. This afternoon in the yard he was lying in a huddle looking very near death, as well. It was all just too much for him, it seems. I am very sad about this whole thing, but I can take a small solace that he will not long be suffering the flies and tumor complications, and will not linger painfully in a small cage with no relief. I spent some time stroking him and telling him he was a good boy and a fine fellow before putting him in the cage for her to take to her husband. So he had kind words and a caring touch at the end, more than many or most roosters, probably. (Can you tell I'm a vegetarian?) If her husband, more of an expert, feels optimistic about him, I'll post the resolution.

decogrl: The time to ID fruits is when they fruit, not when they first leaf out in spring. You can easily distinguish between apples and cherries/plums from the leaves and bark, but what's the rush? Do some pruning for shape and sun penetration, the watch the fruits begin to form. Thin the apples to one per cluster. Then watch them as they begin to ripen out. Of the photos you list, #1 is an apple, #2 is a plum, #3 looks like a plum leaf of some type, and #4 won't come up. Someone will probably be able to ID the fruits for you when they are close to mature if they are commonly planted in your area. Don Yellman, Great Falls, VA

I can't see the photo, but my Endless Summer looked just as you described yours. I was advised to move it out of our hot Louisiana afternoon sun. I did. Solved the problem. I don't recall ever having a bug or fungus problem with any of my 30+ hydrangeas.

Hello.. Does anyone know where the good local garden stores are in Salisbury, MD... or at least Wicomico county or thereabouts, that sell quality heirloom tomato plants, organic fruit/veg plants, native plants & flowers, etc..? (anything besides big box stores.) Also is there a community garden where you can rent an allotment anywhere around? Any other helpful gardening resources you'd recommend? Thanks in advance...!