Pat, I am a little bit north of you. I am trying a pretty large variety of fruit, but I am probably killing over my share as well. There is an Atlanta fruit Yahoo Group that isn't real active, but you could get some input there. All my plantings are pretty young but my suggestions to you would be Kaki persimmons, Muscadines Grapes, Figs, PawPaws, Jujubes, some cold tolerant pomegranates, some blight resistant pears, Blackberries, Blueberries, and Mulberries. Take a trip up to Ellijay to Mercier Orchards or one of the other orchards there and taste some local grown apples varieties this Fall Johnsons Nursery is located in Ellijay as well and probably our best local option for fruit trees. I am trying Stone fruits and sour cherries do best for me here, but I have some apricots, peaches, plums, pluots as well, just most are young and the verdict is still out on them. My suggestions are what I consider the easiest to grow here. I had some Caroline Raspberries, but my Heritage did better, but my planting are mostly remote at my place in Ellijay remote from my residence by an hour so nothing I have gets the best of care.

Long time, no replies :( Maybe contact a maple specialist like davidsansjapanesemaples DOT com

I was told to plant them any time in the fall before the ground freezes. November in WV is fine, probably fine for you also.

Since virtually any tropical or subtropical plant will grow for you it might help us to know how large an area you have and are you interested in Flowers, Fruit, Trees, Shrubs or Vines? Is the soil (drainage or nutrients) or watering (dry season) a problem? Are there problems with animals or insects, humans? Try to narrow this down and you'll get better answers. Regards Chris