John Gordon Nursery is in Amherst, New York, I think zone 5, he sells Pawpaw and early ripening persimmon. He might be some help as to what will grow in your area.

It's all good, Gal. I've oft noted the less than clearcut "northerlieness" of varied locations, like your Maine example.........and depending on which type of map one is viewing, the various types of distortions necessary to fitting all the land masses on the flat sheet of paper.....can even distort this further. But no matter. Whaas, I like Symphoricarpos too, although I do know of some folks having that plant in their gardens wishing they didn't, what with the vigorously stoloniferous habit it has. Guess it all goes down to where you have it and what you are trying to accomplish. But you're right-it is very reminiscent of the shrub genus in discussion here. I'd be more inclined to use coralberry where I wanted straight-up colonization of a portion of a site, in other words, a more naturalistic planting. I think it is native to our part of the world as well. For that matter, the white-fruited Symphoricarpos alba is quite nice too. Rina, I have to admit, I see Toronto and other Canada words in your posts and get the idea we're in similar climactic conditions, but we're still colder here, never rising above a Z5 designation. Then there's years like last year, where cold-hardiness is really put to the test here. We shall see. This is a fun topic for discussion, but that's really about all it is at this point! +om

denninmi, It depends on the variety. And there is some indication that size (age?) of the tree is involved also. Celeste is known as a "hardy" variety. ...."Celeste is the most common fig grown in the Southeast and is somewhat more cold hardy than Brown Turkey....Celeste trees stood that had been hurt very little in over 40 years enduring at least one zero and one 1 degree F ...without much kill-back if any....The owner said the Celeste had never been killed back in its 40+ years but the Brown Turkey, 'got killed back to the ground every few years'. Same exposure, soil type, climate, etc...." This is from a southern source, a Southern Fruit Fellowship newsletter. Occasionally, there are reports of fig trees that have withstood unusual cold. Marylandmojo mentioned one that took -10 degrees in Washington, and Herman had a Florea that did not die back during a New Jersey winter. And it sounds as if your cousin might have one also - if there is any chance of getting a start of hers take it (and keep me in mind, LOL). I am trying Herman's Florea in this area. But most of the varieties out there now (Celeste included) are toast at -5 degrees.

When determining wainscot height in any house or room, I like to look at several factors. In addition to ceiling height, Check your window sills, and how it may line up with or above below. Also alignment with adjacent rooms or cabinetry, even existing light switch placement comes into play, so the switch plate cover is well within (or above) the paneling and trim. Follow the proposed top line all the way around the room, and see if any conflicts arise as to how finishing off the panel end and cap trim. There is really no right or wrong height, but a few inches up or down can really make a difference. In the right room, I kind of like the 5' +- height, it gives a bit of a bungalow feel, and can really cozy up a room, even if painted a light color.