I hope that others respond to your question, since I wonder the same thing. I have enough plants to appreciate which are the more vigorous, but I still ponder some of the blooms. I think a lot is subjective,and since I am not entering mine in shows it really comes down to personal taste. I have some that I like because they face outwards and really show off their "inner selves", others I adore because they are nearly black. Some people want a star shap and pointed sepals, while othes want a nice rounded cup like shape. Anenomes, doubles, and picotees all have their charms and most of them are keepers for me. What I really waver on is color patterns. I've had a couple I really didn't care for, but then friends comment how lovely they are. I have a few people coming over tomorrow for a luncheon and hellebore tour, and I am really curious about how they will react to some of the new blooms.

Ferns with mulch look nice, too. Part of the problem might also be that the tree uses most of the water, so you need plants that can tolerate low moisture. Hostas and some ferns fit that requirement. The dogs are a problem. What about some large, decorative boulders, or a picnic table or glider? I know those aren't plants, but it's a different way to use the space. Could you hang a hammock/swing? There are beautiful hanging chairs designed for one person. Also, if you went with mulch, you could do hanging baskets or large containers to bring more plant life to the area. Just a few thoughts. Let us know what you come up with. Martha

jannie hope you're getting better..it took me several trips going an alternate route before i had the courage to drive where i got rear ended seveal months ago... sue, when i worked for ma bell (in san diego) that was a common complaints..here, it's squirrels that do the most damage...you't think with all tech they could get a wire that didn't taste good! glad you're back... not much going on in mi..weds was b squish day. the rest of this week has been getting dh's laundry all done early. actaully he'll be closer to you next week. they're having a mini elevator convention at purdue u for 3 days. he and the head mechanic are attending...i probably could have gone but would much rather stay home with the cats than sit in a hotel room, lol...

I'm not doing much different. instead of going out 2x a week I go out once every 7-10 days. I spent more money at the store the first 4 wks or so than I normally do. but then knowing I wouldn't be going out much I bought up extra food, dog food, cleaning and paper products when I could find them. lots of times I'd put off getting something until my next trip out (that same week) but now I don't know when that'll be really, so good to have a bit of stocked up here in case I don't get out. a few times I went out and only got a few things (milk, eggs, bread type). so I'm sure the $ amount equals out. also with this 'opening back up' we can't be sure it won't get a bit worse out there. now a lot more traffic is out there and I don't like going out in that either. I'm going to attempt an order at W with delivery and see how that goes. there's nothing on the list that is needed asap so if they can't get it here for a day or 2 I'll be ok. I find I don't even like going out every 7-10 days anymore... so maybe I'll do delivery more often in the future.