You know, I have no idea when I got that cactus but, I pretty am sure it was at the last trade that GGG hosted which, I believe was in 2007. It was so small, I was afraid to leave it outside for winter the first two years so it sat in the greenhouse. Last year I left it, in the pot you see, with a couple other plants to test their hardiness. Those that survived the cold and rain got good marks and are allowed to remain in my collection. I am tired of transplanting so many marginal and sub-tropicals each year and have decided to reduce my inventory to more hardy specimens. That Lizard's Tail(Saururus cernuus)is a naturally occuring(in the southeast) wetlands plant and considered to be invasive in certain areas although, quite easily managed in one's garden. It has taken four years to create a small stand of a dozen or so plants from a single plant. Not what I would call aggressive. Crepping Jenny does fine in our full sun and 90°+ temps. I water a lot so, I don't notice much wilting in the afternoon. The Flame Azelea is a "Rescued Plant" from a construction site on top of Burnt Mountain in Jasper, Ga. Several color variations grow wild there. It blooms well for a few weeks and then fades. The blooms fall of as they mature. I have it planted under the canopy of a large Red Oak in almost pure compost mixed with masonry sand. The Yarrow is a super close up. The camera lens was maybe four inches from the plant which, gives a deceptive appearance to the size of the flowers. I like the close ups because you see more of the structure of the flower, like the wishbone stamens in the Torenias which are commonly named 'Wishbone Flower' for this reason. I have all three colors of Yarrow together in one location. The Torenia have become one of my favorite annuals because they tolerate a good deal of shade but, can take full sun in pots as long as they remain somewhat moist(but more tolerant then Begonias and Impatiens). I am currently looking for the white variety in stores to fil in a dark area in a mostly shaded spot that only sees the sun after 5:00. Your Butterfly 'bushlet' is taking a rest in the greenhouse awaiting for a spot to be determined. I don't like transplanting some items from trades imediantly that look like stress could do them in. It has been too hot and I am going on vacation for a week and can't depend on it being left on it's own. Also, I am wary to put it too close to the 'Honycomb' Buddleia since, it is now about 5 feet across and 7 feet tall, and must choose wisely where it will have the room it will eventually require. I want the two close but, not intertwined and plan to use them as screening from neighbors. Hope that answers ALL of you questions.

dcarch, The sea bass and scallops look delicious! I'd enjoy having that for dinner. I love the summer when DH is fishing frequently. DH and his buddies' tuna trip is scheduled for Sept. 9 this year. They'll go a couple hundred miles past Montauk. Boat is being readied now. What is that red/yellow striped tomato - is it Berkeley Tie Dye? If so, we've got lots of those this year. Beautiful and delicious. We will definitely plant them again next year. About the BER on Green Zebra - have you tried liming in late winter? This year's weather has been so unusual. Normally we get pretty consistent rainfall but this has been a boom or bust season, dry in the early part of summer and torrential tropical downpours every 8-10 days since the end of July. Our locations are so close geographicaly but Mystic's weather pattern is much different because of our location at the entrance to LIS. There's a permanent "stable air" mass overhead - fun to watch on radar, rain will seem to be overspreading all of NYC, LI, SECT and when it gets to the Mystic River just disappates...poof, gone. Yet, we still get about 55-58" annually. It's those ocean storms that nail us. Anyway, my guess is this year at least it's the very uneven rainfall that's led to BER for your Green Zebras. /tricia

i like your current wall color! you'd prob get more response if you post in the home deco or kitchen forum. they have more traffic.

Okay, you can all come down for margaritas on the screen porch! The house is in RI and it's about 1-1/2 hours from our primary house. We had another house in the same area for about 4-5 years and then sold it and bought this one 3 years ago. We are very fortunate because we have a big yard (lots of wiffle ball games) and we're about 4 blocks from the beach. And now, we have water views from almost every window! Previously, the second floor was really tiny and the windows were small so you hardly knew we were near the water. Thanks for all the kind words! I really have to pinch myself because I never thought we'd have anything like this.