Michael, I think it is good that you are firm in stating what you want in terms of the bed, since it would not achieve anyone's objectives to pretend otherwise. It is also nice that you are responding to the feedback you're getting as that allows people to refine their advice. But I have a sense that you are in a bit of a decision-making limbo, though, and I think three things are holding you back. One is an apparent lack of local nurseries that offer you really good variety. Sourcing what you want is an art in itself, and it can be easier to just cruise all your nurseries and choose from what they have rather than choosing from the entire wealth of the plant kingdom as presented by the internet. On the other hand, there are some great mail-order nurseries, and if you do have wishes that can't be met locally, you should feel free to take advantage of them. But you can't beat local nursery visits for getting to know plants up close and personal, and learning what is likely to work well in your area. Another is that you keep being attracted to plants that just aren't suitable for the spot, such as those umbrella-looking trees (probably weeping birches, cherries, or similar) which are indeed nice but in this spot will be one of those mistakes that you will regret in a few years. I think this reflects that your objectives for the space are not quite clear enough yet - focus on what overall plant shape you want first and foremost, and what constraints really matter (eg you can push the boundaries on height, but not on width). Or it could mean that you're readier to work on the property as a whole than you think! It is generally advisable to have an overall plan before making big decisions, but as long as this spot will remain in about the same amount of sun it now has, you can go ahead and make a decision for it. Maybe it would be good to keep a list of the other plants that are appealing to you for the later design process. Finally, I think you are making the stakes pretty high by feeling you have to make the right decision that will work for all time. With plants, all decisions are reversible, and there is nothing wrong with working with a temporary timeline. That's one reason I always buy my plants small and let them grow, since I don't want a $200 investment that I will be hesitant to change my mind about (not to mention that plants have been known to die!!!). So let yourself pick something you like that might grow too tall, or even too wide for that matter, since you can always take it out, move it, and try something different. You might be ready for a change in ten years anyway. I've linked below to a nursery that has an amazing website, offering several view for each plant and which is very easy to navigate (go to the plants section, obviously). It is apparently a wholesale nursery ($3500 minimum order!) so you might not order from them (maybe your local nursery would...) but the site might facilitate your decision-making. They do have a good picture of the purple fountain beech, among others. Also check through their selection of Japanese maples whether they have any nice upright-growing varieties. KarinL Here is a link that might be useful: awesome website of wholesale (?) tree nursery

All I can say is - Wow! I'd read your earlier post about not having to move and leave your new beds, but seeing what you've created there, I have a much deeper appreciation for how happy you must have been to STAY PUT!!! I KNOW that both the seed starting and the planting were TON of work (as only one who has been there can know..) and I am so glad you will be there for year 2 of your perennials. All I can say is that in year 3, you are going to FLIP at how beautiful it is and everyone around you will think you spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on "pop in" perennial plants and will have a hard time believing that you grew each and every cluster of plants from seed. But you'll know...and be SO proud. Oh, and can I borrow that 14 year old boy? And a few of his friends from the sports teams? I went to lift a bale of promix this morning and thought - gosh, I've gotten completely out of shape this winter. Starting the spring planting maddness is going to be rough! A crew of 14 year olds would be perfect.

Jan, When trying to explain to my father the awe I felt when pulling up in the car I told him I felt like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz when they got to the field of poppies, lol. Colette and FairySoapGirl, I'm glad you enjoyed the pics : ) Tom, It rained in the morning and then was cloudy for most of the time we were there. This was good since it was hot! when the sun came out. Plus taking photos is easier with clouds. Marie, Drag the child along, lol! Melissa, Good thing I didn't bring too much cash because it would be easy to spend too much! It was funny though when we were looking at the daylilies. If we went ooh at a daylily and the intro date was a 2000 something we didn't even look to see a price because we knew it would be too much, lol. Oh he emailed me back about the daylily, but couldn't open the photo link that I sent so I re-sent with a different link. I haven't hear back yet. Julia, Our morning rain traveled right out your way! I'm sure your garden tour was still a good time. I did show my friend, who knows nothing about daylilies, what the rain damage was on some of the daylilies. I did realize later that the rain made it a good day to shop. You'll love it! The display/house garden is behind the cobblestone house. Thankfully there were a few "regulars" near us that cut through the hedge opening or we might have missed it. I've been meaning to go to Mystic for awhile, but still have not gone. She has so many cool spider and unusual form ones. I've know about Grace Gardens for a long time and have not gone. I believe 2 of my daylilies came from there. A plant swapper that was from Penn Yan that used to come to the WNY plant swap gave them to me in exchange for my roses. I think I will make my husband go with me if we go to Hammondsport next summer again. We like to go there when we can. I've not heard of Cat Post Gardens. Another one I must see, lol! : ) Remy

"Shake and Bake" refers to the nickname given to the state of California, which it is not only named for, but it is the state flower for :) California is often referred to as "Shake and Bake, USA WELL DUH!...lol, FANNA WHO IS Hysterical laughing at herself for FORGETTING THIS FACT about Callie! See I am afraid to TRY any Poppy for breadseed because what if someone sends one they THINK is safe and it isn't? JASMINE, I ACCIDENTLY TYPED THE WRONG NUMBER! All is WELL it WAS Margos I was working on and since I believe I meanted the gift she gave me it was clear it was just a slip of the finger or brainwave or something along those lines..... Lisa I stayed up last night til 5:00 am or would that be stayed up this morning til? Oh well, which ever that is what I did. It is just a matter of me bring ODC and can't stop until I feel HAPPY with the results....lol!!! WOW you all are sending in some REALLY REALLY good stuff!!! Wendy, thanks for my GIFT...I will be on a CHOCOLATE high tonight, haha! That was so sweet of you to think of me, thanks again. I am actaully taking a breather at this minute to eat supper then I will get back to the seeds. :) Fran I will go ahead and post #11 thread!