How exciting! It is going to be beautiful at your house...Let me correct that, even more beautiful. I have one of Davisson's that I got late last year and I am hoping to see it bloom this year. Time will tell on that. I like the idea of Hybridizers beds, and I do have Munson and Emmerich pretty much done that way. That is so funny, Julia. I am eliminating a few iris too. I want to get back to two iris beds instead of three. I have some duplicates, and some that just perform well for me. (Starship Enterprise is gone...three years and never a hint of a blooma) Working on a garden is always a journey, not a destination, isn't it? kay

Hi all, and glad that you enjoyed the pics. I actually have quite a few more to post, but didn't have time to put them in this post. I will try to post some more tomorrow. Rita, ORCHID ELEGANCE is one of my favorites and a great performer. The color is a soft clear pinkish lavender, and my pic is pretty true to the actual color. The only other DL I have that is similar, but a bit bluer in color is LINDA SIERRA. I really love that one also. Glad you enjoyed the pics. Linda

Thanks everybody!! I was real happy about my class being over... I really had to get up early every morning to fit in the pictures and hybridizing! Maryl - Yep BYM is by John Shooter. It has come down to a pretty reasonable price now... but it took a while for mine to settle in and really start strutting her stuff. Rita - I KNEW I just had to have it and when I went to visit Marietta Gardens, I bought it from Faye. Can't wait to see it next year when it is all established. The pink is pretty faded due to all the seriously hot (105+) weather we've been having here. Julie - I probably have enough to share, remind me in the fall, and I could put some in a pot for ya for spring.

Thank you all so much! It's nice to get to share with others even though it would get done the same way even if it were only the 5 sets of eyes living in this house who saw it. The family tree tree has been really fun to put together and can't wait until the nieces and nephews get to see it. As far as how long it takes, I would estimate probably a good 4 weeks (not constantly, still have to work and then have 3 kids at home) depending on what needs reworked, re-lit or just added to. I love all of it (with the exception of pulling lights that don't work off pre-lit trees), so I just take my time, tweak and add to until it's time to start taking it all down. It all gets stored next door in the little house we bought a few years ago to control the "rental situations". We also have our office over there so it works out great for me while waiting on customers to fluff and re-light garlands and trees. Electrical tape and paint is a good idea on those cords....that may be my project next year. I've also thought about whipping up some of those fabric cord covers in a solid color to match the walls. It gets ridiculous with the strategic planning of the extension cords and then not really being 100% sure of what is on what breaker. We've been at this house for about 10 yrs now also, and we are now starting "Phase II." It was so bad when we first bought it that are goal was to make it livable and then to go back and really start adding the features we want. By the time we get this darn thing done, we may very well be dead! LOL Again, thank you all so much for your kind comments and I'm so glad you all enjoyed! Alex