Thanks Kathi - it's about 5 feet tall and in full bloom and just gorgeous. I took a bunch of photos because I want to paint it and needed lots of views. Thanks for looking. Aimee: you're right. I reposted on the gallery side and it worked well. Just learning . . . .

Yup, that's exactly what I am saying. It has gotten worse over time, apx. 4 years since build now. Take a look at pictures here: http://mikesommer.com/gallery2/v/day1/album_001/ Here is a link that might be useful: Plaster discoloration pictures of Tahoe Blue

The fence situation is the kink of the whole property, and is causing me the biggest grief right now. What you can't tell from the photo is that the pool is actually raised higher than the yard behind it, and there is approximately 10 feet behind/between the pool fence and the split rail fence that runs the perimeter of the yard. The lattice is largely there for privacy, as none of the pools in our area have fences for code. Neighborhood rules dictate that you can have a privacy fence around your pool, provided it's far enough back from the property line. (Where the split rail fence is) I want to do just what you're saying, but it would be ALOT of money right now. They'd basically have to come in and build a new retaining wall behind the pool, add fill dirt to bring the surface level with the existing pool deck to expanding the area (to allow for flowers and the like), and then we could fence around that. However, we would then be very close to the setback requirements. Arrgghhhhh....... Since we're so far over budget on the interior renovation, this project may have to wait until next year. :(

Chinch bugs like hot soil, so keeping the area cool with deep watering is key. It might need to be a little deeper next to the sidewalk and drive way. After you get them, it's different. I've never had them but I would try attracting birds to that area. Birds like bird baths and seed feeders. If you can't attract enough birds to the spot, then beneficial nematodes. I like the ones called Guardian Lawn Patrol or something like that. Company is in Colorado. Beneficial nematodes carry a disease that kills the bugs within 24 hours. Nobody tells you this but they must be applied to saturated soil. If you apply to dry soil, you just wasted your money.