Thanks folks. This gallery side seems to have died recently. Dan, I'm thinking of moving that Eskimo Pie since it kind of deteriorated a bit last year and I've heard it's hard to grow. I would put it in a bit better light to see what happens. Since I like the coloration there, I was thinking of putting a reasonable size Great Expectations there. What do you think? Margaret, I'd love to see pictures of your garden. I see you are in zone 7 - the tropics to me. When I moved here from costal zone 7 or 8 I found that many of the plants I'd grown before couldn't take the winters. I have only a couple of T roses now and the fancier climbers didn't work at all. I'm happy with the much hardier Explorer Roses. I don't prune them until spring and then it's mostly what damaged or dead or in the way of something else. That John Cabot needs to be tied up properly, maybe this year. The William Baffin is right in the line of fire where snow and icicles fall off the roof. I'm happy that some of it survives ok.

Bobbie told me the Tour, etc, is June 2. Wings of Love is DeAnn Waggoner (not me!), & she rescues birds & tries to find them good permanent adoptive homes. It's sad to see the gorgeous birds that people have to give up, & they have to give them to a rescue because they can't find a good home for them. She's had macaws, African Greys, sun conures, & I can't remember what other kinds. Some of those birds live 80 years, so taking one into your life is really a lifetime commitment. The Tour this year sounds exciting, featuring the gardens of some expert gardeners.

I'm planning to go on this tour too. Some places interest me more than others of course. (1) This Urban Farm of three acres has native trees and multicolored perennials that attract hummingbirds and butterflies. Water gardens, hanging baskets and yard art also enhance this interesting property with many container gardens for vegetables and herbs, accessed by walking paths. Composting is evident in many of the containers filled with colorful tomatoes, peppers, artichokes, leafy greens and more than 60 varieties of garlic. A greenhouse also provides a protected place for starting plants from seeds. An outdoor living area provides a tranquil place to sit and observe this peaceful country setting, along with horses and chickens to complete this homestead. (2) Prism of Tranquility Garden: Stroll through a kaleidoscope of gardens with many colorful rooms that offer a calm, relaxing experience. Nestled among tall trees are rooms filled with Texas Native perennials, many propagated on-site and include a pond filled with koi, a poolside resort, raised vegetable beds and cutting gardens. You will also find a rose garden with gazebo, a pergola and a metal tree filled with bird treats. In the service area is a 24 x 8 foot lazy-man’s compost bin and greenhouse. If you look closely, you may catch a glimpse of Arnie the Armadillo, Herod the great blue heron and Thumper, Bambi and Velvet who bed amongst the gardens. (3) Perennial Pizzazz Garden: Pots of tropical plants and patches of perennial color will delight and dazzle as you stroll through this beautifully manicured two-tiered garden. A lush, tropical oasis awaits as you gather poolside surrounded by an artful arrangement of container plantings that create a riot of color and texture. The upper path reveals an eclectic gathering of both woodland shade and sun-loving plants. The front entrance will inspire you with a newly planted display of edible and herbaceous plantings. This gardener also practices smart water conservation and is participating in an ongoing, Denton county water consumption study. (4) This Patchwork Garden is patiently sewn together throughout the years. A colorful collection of unique roses, hardy perennials, and charming garden art are woven into the borders of this cottage-like garden. The vibrant flowers and greenery beckon one to stroll, rest, and relax. Included in the garden space are dedicated raised beds for growing vegetables and herbs with drip irrigation and rain barrels. Various re-purposed items have been stitched in, offering a wealth of inspirational ideas that can add character and style to any space. (5) Standing 50 feet above the surrounding countryside, The Flower Mound is 13 acres of wildflowers and native prairie grasses in the heart of the city of Flower Mound. In fact, the city itself was named after the mound, which is currently protected by the Mound Foundation, a non-profit organization representing the citizens of Flower Mound. The foundation has identified more than 175 species of wildflowers there. This area was part of the great American Black Land Prairie that ran from Canada to the Rio Grande and from the Rockies to the Mississippi. Only 1,000 acres remain of the original 20 million acres known as the Tall Grass Prairie.

I *am* exhausted! & sunburnt! (went out there on an overcast morning, wearing a scoop-necked top, forgot to notice when the sun came out. duh.) The gardens were *gorgeous*, of course, & the swap/sale was loads of fun! We had a woman who sells plants/bulbs/seeds on ebay, the Master Gardeners had a booth, Waxahachie High School had a booth, there was a "flea market" with proceeds going to the Garden Club,...can't remember everything. The brown bag lunches were very good (& the Club now has arrangements with the to-go barbeque place to take up the slack in case they run out of food in the future!) I moved a lot of plants in pots, so my summer watering schedule is considerably eased (sold a few & traded a few.) This was the first time my friend Vi had been to the Tour & sale, & she had a great time, didn't bring very much but took several things home. Unfortunately, although the Extravaganza continued until 4 PM, Vi had to leave early to help her husband with a garden project, & my sunburn began to really burn & nauseate me, so I left a little later, by probably 2:30. Lots of nice people, helpful hands all round-several of the guys helped with loading & unloading, setting up tables, etc, & one kind person gave me some lotion for my back. It was great! can't wait til next year... (when I'll bring an extra shirt & a hat & some lotion!)