Will is waiting for my comments first before he starts a new post :0) Pinus parviflora 'Ara-Kawa' Must be written as 'Ara-kawa'. I don't believe that the Pinus nigra 'Oregon Green' is the true one, the needles are to long and it doesn't have the typical needle setting for this cultivar. (see link) To me the one in the pot looks like the normal species or a simular fast growing cultivar, probably the understock... Will, I also have my doubs about your Pinus parviflora 'Ara-kawa'. This is because the true one does have green needles instead of blue one's. Can you show us a detail pic of the part just above the grafting union, the bark at that place should be courser at that place allready. Thanks in advance! Here is a link that might be useful:

Everything looks great Will especially the Maple.Just curious,is your black stone local quarry?It really shows your plants off nicely , gorgeous in the rain.Doug

"Abies procera 'Delbar's Cascade'. This cultivar was discovered by his parents(grandparents??), DELbert and BARbara." Will, it's named after his grandparents. Can you provide some background info about the Abies koreana 'Olhtacca'? I never came across this one. Thanks!

Molie, I have been to Eklund but did not know the history behind it. How wonderful! As a volunteer 'dog trainer', I used to take one of the shelter dogs there for hiking and socializing. But, never in the dog park...one of the worst place to bring a dog. Also, thank you for the dry shade link. It will not be a problem getting those plants for under the tree. However, as you move closer to the driveway, the plants will be exposed to blazing afternoon sun. I actually picked up a mock orange for the site. Apparently, it is an American cultivar (if that's the correct term). However, upon further research, it was not recommended at a site "where sun reflection tends to quickly spoil their flowers and lighten their leaf color". http://www.humeseeds.com/efm_o.htm Can I also add that this plant looks beautiful and smell as good as it looks? I think the intense hot afternoon sun will spoil it. So, I will plant it somewhere else. My brother-in-law Just offered me a prunus maritima beach plum in a five gallon container. It's a good size where I don't have to wait forever. It should work for this sight. It is a northeast native and is endangered.http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/p/prumar/prumar1.html But, I'm unsure if fallen fruits will attract flies and deer. nhbabs, you have offered much insight. As for the grubs, the brown areas are found through out the lawn. If you grab a handful of grass, you can pluck it out with minimal effort and there's barely and roots. If you dig with a trowel, you can be sure to find at least 2 in that amount of soil. You are right, I should have the soil tested. Before I started gardening last year, I looked up the UCONN cooperative extension system. I even scooped soil from different areas of the lawn, mixed it up as directed, and, then, just didn't get around to it. I know....awful. Thanks for everyone's input. This planning/gardening is an art! It's not as easy as it looks. I have seen the majority of your beautiful gardens and have much respect for the amount of work you all put into the gardens. I will have to take section in baby steps with the planting since I cannot drop hundreds of dollars at once. -Tina