It does sound like oleander and no, unfortunately, most would not be hardy in Bethesda most years, except perhaps in a very good microclimate and only for a few varieties (like 'Hardy Red', 'Hardy Yellow'). Although, I've found the claims of 'zone 7A-hardy oleanders' to be a bit optimistic. They often will freeze to the ground nearly every year in zone 7a, or show a lot of die-back, at best. In a warm microclimate they will often grow back from roots, but then they won't usually bloom until very late in the season, if at all. On the other hand they do make easy potted patio plants and can winter over easily in an unheated garage (upper 20s or warmer) with minimal light. All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested or if burned and smoke is inhaled. Indoors they are subject to scale and spider mites in a warm environment. Small plants can be started quite easily from cuttings and kept near a bright window over winter. Hope this helps.

Robin, I'm still hoping I can come. Is it still the 15th (day before Easter, right?). If I do come, I'll have a lacecap hydrangea, some hostas (Krossa regal and a couple of others), Rudbeckia hirta, purple conflower, confederate rose cuttings (mine never even died back this winter! It's still green), and can bring acuba cuttings if anyone wants. If you want acuba, let me know now and I'll get some rooted. It's quick. I guess I'm committed to coming now. I'm looking for any natives. Could I get another of your Carolina allspice, Robin? The one you gave me last year is doing fine, just leafing out again. Kitty

When would be a good time to get the trees and shrubs planted this year? I was thinking of having the plant material bought by the end of Augustor beginning of september and having it laid out in the area by the end of September to mark the spots to plant the treee/shrubs in and then have it planted by the middle of October. Does this sound like a good plan or should I wait for it to get colder before I plant the trees/shrubs?

Kiffin87, Since no one here has said it already: You should be ready to amend your soil with organic matter and possibly a little sand. Most of the Carolinas have clay soil and although it contains a lot of nutrients and good microbial colonies, it doesn't drain easily. (Unless you are lucky enough to obtain a yard that is already nicely ammended.) Raised beds may be a good option, even if you only raise a few inches your plants will thank you. Keep a fraction of the clay, but mix in a good amount of compost/sand/hummus/peat etc. Feel free to get creative with it. As others have said, all manner of plants do good here. I can testify to roses, bearded irises, daylilies, astrantias, montbretias etc are all perennial and love it here. We are kind of a borderline zone area so you may find that strange things perenialize here. Those standard fleshy leaved begonias that are such a ubiquitous annual come back for me every year from under their mulchy bed as long as the crown is just beneath the soil line. Anyway, that's my best advice. Have fun and get creative!