I have some bands that have been in the pots [from one gallon repotted to 4 gallon]. They are huge! I enjoy growing bands out until they are quite large. I realize most people want to get them in the ground as fast as possible, but I lost some bands I had grown out in gallon pots for months in our extremely hot summer last year that previously were doing fine - then 105 degrees for 3 solid months. They didnt make it in spite of care and watering. Heat just cooked them. The ones I am growing out in pots now are enormous and so healthy and making buds. I feel when I am ready to plant them in beds - they will be big and strong enough to really take off. I find most of my young bands dont put out that many buds - they concentrate on building roots and growing leaves. Seems when I repot them into 4 gallon pots is when they really start making buds I fertilize and spray these potted bands well - and I am really seeing results this spring. I just got in lovely orders from Rogue Valley and Heirloom - Vintage's will come later this month. All these bands are super healthy - I have potted a few up and they are growing great. I will not put them in full hot sun - this seems to have worked best for these growing bands - and especially protection from afternoon sun. I have fertilzed them with Mills Magic Rose Mix, epsom salts and alfalfa pellets, then [new to me but well recommended] Microlife last week. I am in east Texas, so dont know how the colder climates would fare with bands. I really enjoy watching them grow and progress.

I despise creeping charlie. It sends me into digging fits of rage...digging up established perennials just to eradicate the area of CC. HOWEVER, you can only get to the CC if you get get past all of the wild strawberries...ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!! *LOL* When I first moved in 2.5 years ago I saw the little yellow flowers and tiny red berries and said, "awwww, isn't that cute". Ahem.... As for "real" stuff that I planted... Pink primroses..pretty when they flower but spread like crazy and look like crap most of the time. Lambs ear is pretty crazy, I have it growing MANY feet from where it started. I didn't plant it but I left it when I moved in and not IT'S moving in! Still, I love the fuzzy leaves. I have sweet autumn clematis eeeeverywhere. I love my huge "planned" vines of it that I transplanted but WOW, the seedlings are outta control and you can't ever get the whole root. I, too, have lemon balm, mint and ribbon grass. They get huge and rambling but I haven't had much problem with digging it up where I don't want it. The mint actually makes me laugh because I can't BELIEVE where it'll pop up! hehe

Hi Stephanie, I am so very sorry for your loss and I feel the pain you and your family are going through. I have been there before with a special feline friend that I had for 13 years and it is painful. Currently, I have been blessed with a very special, extraordinary canine family member that I love beyond words. I have had him for 5 years now and he is my best friend and brings me enormous joy. The thought of his passing makes my heart hurt and brings tears to my eyes. I am certain the reality will be completely devastating. Your story made my eyes water. Again, heartfelt sympathy for your loss. The memorial is a wonderful idea...for many reasons !!! I do agree with Barb...don't be in too much of a hurry to get it done NOW. I am also somewhat of a novice, which is how I came across this forum yesterday. RESEARCH is the key to success !!! There are so many factors involved and if you don't do the "homework" chances are good that many of your efforts, not to mention the cost will be in vain. There is alot of information to be had here and I am sure you will get some valuable advice and suggestions. In addition, check the web. Just search for EXACTLY what you are looking for and presto, there it will be...eventually. Ha-Ha!!! A suggestion for you that I found extremely helpful, check out the Texas Cooperative Extension (through A&M) for your area. I can't send you a link, because mine is for Bexar county. There I found everything I wanted to know and then some (finally). Size, color, planting instructions, pests and disease, drought and freeze tolerance, growth habits and pictures too !!! I printed out a page that gave me 30 choices(customized) of flower with all of the pertinent info. included...PRICELESS !!! A few years ago I planted a LOVELY garden in my front courtyard. LONG story short, a lot of thought went into this masterpiece of mine. Trouble was that I was going for the VISUAL. Let me just say that it wasn't nearly enough and the longevity wasn't there and yes, I did use all perrenials !!! So that this loving tribute will last for years to come....do your homework. It will take some time, so be patient. It is spring,I am in a beautiful new home(blank canvas)I want to plant NOW. I learned my lesson the hard way, so now, I am INDOORS doing my homework !!!! Your motivation for your garden is much more important than just wanting to see the pretty flowers, so take your time. That in itself can be a form of tribute too, not to mention therapeutic!!!! Good luck and give updates !!!

Thirding Seil- I've not had much success growing things in terracotta - they are just too hard to get the watering right. In addition to the baking problem, they dont tend to drain when theres lots of rain. Possibly the ones you get in the US are of a different make, but every terracotta pot I have seen here just has one central hole for drainage down the bottom , which just doesn't work as well as the several holes around the bottom that most plastic type pots have. And terracotta is very awkward to drill holes into!