>Given those conditions: are there any camellias that could stand being planted in this front yard? We have several, doing beautifully, on the shady north side, so I know the winter temperatures aren't too low; but some of them languished in the front before they were laboriously moved. Hi Steve, It's probably more a matter of drying winds than of the morning sun. Our camellias are mostly in the sun all morning, mid-day, and afternoon all day long throughout the winter (because the many deciduous trees have lost their leaves then) and they do fine. However, they tend to have more of a windbreak than most yards would have; besides having some tree trunks as partial windbreaks they're in with lots of other plants too--rhododendrons and azaleas--many of which are plenty large enough to reduce the problems from wind. And there is some wind protection from a berm too. If you go ahead with the idea on putting back camellias where you've had some not too happy camellias previously, then consider adding some ways to slow down the wind during the worst of winter's winds. And make sure that you don't forget to water during the winter. One other thing that you might try would be spraying with Wilt-Pruf in the late fall. I've never actually done that with a camellia so I don't know whether it's a good idea or not; it's just something I'd probably try if I were nervous about a plant's winter hardiness. I've seen sections of woven wooden fencing added to a yard to provide an attractive backdrop for a group planting. Something like that might help and make a nice highlighting for the camellias in your front yard too and featuring them in groups together with other evergreens would help with the wind problem too. You wouldn't have to fence the entire yard to be able to have some impact on winter's winds. The hiemalis camellia shishigashira would be one of the camellias that might do just fine in your front yard; it is reputed to do well in everything from full sun to full shade. Best of luck with whatever you end up doing. Best wishes, Mary

Sorry to hear that, gypzee_mama. My overactive Golden Retriever did the same thing while chasing squirrels a couple of years ago. In my case, the plant died but it is hard to tell what will eventually happen since no two injuries are identical. Treat the plant with TLC, just as if it had been transplanted. You can put some Elmer's Glue on injuries where the dog damaged it so insects or fungal infections will not cause additional harm. Make sure the plant gets some sun; trim nearby bushes to allow sun to reach the camellia plants. Do not force the plant to awaken from its dormancy by fertilizing it now. In Spring, provide it fertilizer in the form of Liquid Seaweed, Fish Emulsion and/or SuperThrive only. Your plants are going to be in shock for a while and fertilizing plants that are in shock does not help. Seaweed and Fish Emlsion are weak fertilizers similar to coffee grounds. If there is leaf growth by May-June, add half a cup of cottonseed meal (or 1/2 what you normally apply) and fertilize no more for 2008. Maintain the soil as evenly moist as possible and keep 3-4" of mulch. If there is no growth by May-June, replace the plants. Good luck, Luis

Ah francy, francy.....that's mighty fancy! LOL. I leave the computer for a while and come back and lord love me you finished your apron! I LOVE your pictures....seeing the project makes this forum so much fun. Your sewing area looks very very familar...like my own... threads and "snippits" all over the table, across the floor to the ironing board and back, never mind those I wear on my clothing when I sew. This apron makes me think you should grab some of those scraps, tie them loosely in your hair with a big knot to the front, don that apron and be standing at your lovely stove banging a wooden spoon in a pot when DH arrives home tonight....You could be standing there ala Lucy....saying things like "Now look Ethel, Ricky won't believe me for a minute it took all day to make this thing..... and no housework done. I've got some serious 'splaining to do!"...... If I lived closer I could be your friend Ethel....what a duo we'd make! Now apron one is done.....get on with your "cherry" project! No wait, first go and BUY MORE fabric......only look at the price this time. Budster.

@floral_uk z.8/9 SW UK what you meant by "the begonias are in the noise"? And also should I put in as many begonias in as possible leaving some space around the roots of Camellia? Good catch about the timber. Yeah nails might come out. I will put in some screws. If the timber starts falling apart the plan B is to nail more slats around it. Lol. The timber is actually left over al-cheapo pine slats from previous project. It is treated pine and after looking it up it is H3 CCA Treated Pine. CCA: Copper, chrome and arsenic H3: Outside above ground, periodic wetting but where the timber can dry out; some leaching I guess I will line it up with the builder's film which I have in plenty. They do sell Professional Rose, Gardenia, Azalea And Camellia Potting Mix which does NOT have ericaceous written on it. This is what is there on it. Boosted levels of iron and magnesium encourage healthy dark green foliage Controlled release plant food provides plant nutrition and trace elements for up to 6 months Includes next generation water crystals and coir peat for better moisture retention Professional grade wetting agent added for uniform soil wetting and prevent drying out Use for potting up roses, gardenias, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and other acid-loving plants and adding to the garden soil when planting out into the open garden. Will it do?