Black Pussy Willow could make a nice shrub boarder. You would have lots of sticks, with plainer green leaves in summer. Easily cut when you wanted to reduce height, though I believe they are a smaller shrub in height. Interesting catkins in the spring, with good contrast to be visible. Water should not bother a willow, or being pretty well drained soil the rest of the year. Faster growing, but not usually obnoxious as a plant. Some chicken wire to deny yard entry on one side of new plants, probably will not be greatly visible as the bushes fill in, then could remove the wire. Just going for variety, arbovite is so commonly seen. Good luck with your ideas.

Since your research suggests they like acid soil, MissSherry, I would be hesitant to add lime to the soil, with will raise the PH. I have managed to get Spicebush to grow 3 years and it always dies the 4th year - weird, huh? I planted my current one in the front yard amid pine tree, honeysuckle, hackberry, etc., so I can better monitor it. I have also been feeding with an organic fert called LadyBug John's (Austin, Texas origin). It is a 3-1.5-2 ratio, which is the ratio recommended by Al on the container forum. He's a physicist who has soil and nutrients down to a science, literally. Anyway, this organic fert is more of a soil builder than a plant fertilizer with micronutes and all. I have been giving in a 1/2 feed about every 3 or 4 waterings. It has responded well to this. My Spicebush is located where it gets shade to dappled shade to some West sun (only about 1 hour), like it would if it grew at a forest edge. So far, so good, but it's only the 2nd year. The true test would be the 4th year for me. Sandy would be helpful since she has had hers for a few years now. I'll be interested to see if she responds here, too. The problems with Sassafras is that it is so hard to transplant. I've tried 3 times and failed. If you could get a very small seedling or seeds to start with, it might be a better solution. I don't think the seed is viable for very long, with fresh working best. If you know someone who has Sassafras and get either fresh seeds or a small volunteer, that would be great! Susan

OK, I've taken a deep breath. Several, in fact. And realized I've seen just about everything I want to plant this year, growing somewhere in my neighborhood. If a plant needs well-drained soil, I'm ahead of the game. If it needs moist, well drained I'll need to pay close attention, water and mulch well. Maybe I'll put a few more in containers - I need some height, anyway. Some will do well, some won't. There's nothing really different there from what I was expecting. These first years are going to be about experimenting and learning. CSU should be a reliable guide for the soil. As Gilda put it, never mind. Excuse the doom and gloom newbie gardener. Well wait a minute, what about over-watering . . .? Bob

I think we live in such a toxic world that being cautious about materials in toys, and ingredients in food are so important. I try to buy U.S. made toys and the best food I could possibly find. I even have considered making my cat food and freezing the portions, but unfortunately most of the supplements are made in China nowadays....even people supplements. I'm still looking into it. I had the opportunity to talk with the vet about Thomas a couple of days ago, as I took Bella in to be checked. She is 8 years old and wasn't doing too great after Thomas died. Thank goodness she received a perfect bill of health. She is going through a grieving process as well. She is doing much better now and being snuggly. Basically, the vet said that jaw cancer seems to be more common in dogs, but rare in a cat. There isn't much information as to causes. However, Thomas had some teeth in the past that become infected, and she said that chronic inflammation is a known cancer causer. That poor kitty endured 4 dental surgeries all together to get those bad teeth out, but he was a happy kitty and I'm thankful for the extra time it bought us. At the time, decisions were made with a cat specialist vet to save what looked to be healthy teeth and only take anything out that was infected. In hindsight, maybe taking them ALL out in the beginning may have made a difference. Some cats have teeth issues from day one and when they get them all out do much better. Then again, maybe not. We won't know for sure, and at the time we made the best decisions possible. Unfortunately, jaw bone cancer was something that couldn't be fixed. I am very thankful I have all my other kitties. They are all precious to me, and have been a source of comfort. I have had a hard time sitting at the computer because Thomas would always lie down next to me on the arm of the couch. It has been very, very empty there and it hit me hard a few days ago. The next day one of the kitties parked himself there. Bella came the day after that and satyed with me. There is usually a kitty now when I am on the computer. I am positive that Thomas had something to do with that! Each day gets a little easier...the pain a little less, and the memories bring a smile. There will always be a little ache in my heart though. I miss him. I will always miss him. Sandy