Shamefully, we have not been taking very good care of it. We have in the past fertilized sporadically with commercial fertilizers. Once to maybe 3 times a year. We just put down the Scott's fertilizer with Halts. When the forsythia are in bloom, right? I will have to measure the mower height and I *think* I have DH convinced to mulch this year (unless we let it get too high). We also haven't watered it in the dead of summer ever, really. I guess it would be easy enough to measure rainfall (and water deeply once a week! See, I have been reading!) I guess I probably know enough to think if we just fertilize, water when needed, mow at the right height, try to keep the weeds away (which stronger turf will help with), and seed in the fall we could be in pretty good - or at least much better - shape. But I'll take validation on that or any further advice...websites, plans, ideas for how to transition to more environmentally friendly fertilizers. I guess I don't know where to go for that stuff - I imagine I would have to drive out to the farm supply stores far, far away for some of the things I have read about on here (which are escaping me at the moment, of course). Although I guess to do that 1-2 times a year wouldn't be terrible depending on the volume we would have to store and the storage properties. I'm open to ideas!

Mary you should !! Because on this 3rd day he is still just the BEST! Eloise I feel like I belong here ;-) and I have always loved making other people laugh a little or a lot. But with IKE coming and just knowing that so many will have devestating things happeing to them is so sad that no is really not the time any longer to make jokes. Just praying for everybody to be spared of getting injured or hurt or even worse loosing their lives. So my prayers will be with all the people in harms way of IKE. Now I am going outside and tighting up the yard. I do not want the neighbor to end up with millions of coke cans I have been collecting 4FR to make money so I can buy more brugs lol.... I know...it was just a TINY joke for a little smile on your face. Lucy Please everybody seek shelter and stay safe!!!!!!!!!!!

LOL. Are you sure he'll notice? Take the pots, slip them out into the beds between your existing roses and keep them watered there until planted. My hubby never notices or at least never says anything. In the future, build up a 'pot garden' of some sort so new purchases just sort of blend into the existing unplanted masses. Another idea is to encourage a nice engaging hobby like golf so that you can go to the nursery, bring home your roses and hostas, plant them and dispose of the pots before he gets home. If none of those suggestions help, then ask on the main roses forum. I'm quite certain that you'll find many clever ways to either convince hubby that your purchases were actually necessary and not frivolous impulses and/or ways to creatively hide your devilment. :) Hot Tamale is a fabulous choice. I adore mine and had to get its sport 'Ruby Baby', which came sporting a bloom that could have won me mini-queen. I'm in love all over again. Suz

Cyn, I'm not surprised you missed the hydrangea -- that corner of the pic is pretty dark. I have two azaleas under the windows that are bright pink when they bloom, but they bloom such a short time, and they never seem to get enough water because of the house overhang. I planted some bulbs there too, and some big pale pink day lilies that seem to be thriving. I've long struggled in my mind to figure out what's the best thing to do with that bed next to the house because of the not getting much sun or rain problem. Can I move those well established azaleas without killing them? I think they'd like more sun too. The P.O. said he watered them heavily all winter long but I'm too lazy for that in the cold weather and I feel guilty about it all the time. The house is in the Seattle area, btw. The little tree in the center of the front planter bed is my pride and joy and was a big splurge. It's a 'Tinkerbelle Dwarf Lilac' on standard and I love it when it blooms. I've toyed with the idea of expanding the flower bed that's closer to the street, too, but I fear that would make it harder to access the middle of it for weeding. I really don't know much about yard design, but I do love flowers and have planted a lot of perennials and bulbs there, plus it has three blueberry bushes that bear -- yumm! The bed is pretty crowded now because I love the cottage garden look. But that also gives a great haven for slugs, which we have a lot of here. Eeeew. Another guilty point is I shouldn't have let the lawn get so brown, but all the neighbors do that and it's expensive to water and the plus side of not watering enough is you don't have to mow so much. LOL Ideas on the yard would be welcome from any of you!