With trees in large planters, the fine point of what to use for fertilizer is a minor problem. It is the mix you use that will cause most of the problem. Any mix will have to be replaced as the organic components disintegrate over time and exclude the needed oxygen, which will cause the roots to be unable to take up nutrients, even the best most complete available. Eventually even the best, longest lasting mix, will have to be replaced, and the roots pruned, a big job for a BIG container. I have just done two and have two more to go. By using the gritty mix this time, I will be able to double the time between repots. Al

Hi all - Sorry, I thought I set up the forum to alert me via email of replies but it didn't. I thought I'd check in, and am just now reading your replies. I'll check the tag for the Latin name. The patio is 3" thick stamped concrete. Soil is clay based. I live in a city called Rocklin which I'm told was named that because we're on a huge granite slab. Digging around the yard, I realize that they weren't joking. I have a couple of shovels and picks with busted handles to prove it. Drainage is a 3" pipe 90' to the curb. I have a Little Ollie in another part of my yard. I was hoping to add this full sized olive to add some height to my landscape and compliment my Mediterranean theme.

Thank you all so much! I've been so busy since yesterday, I didn't have the chance to respond. But thank you so much for all the complements. I just love my house and never want to move! I'm glad to hear that most of you like the idea of all-white. However, I'm starting to maybe change my mind on the dark purple wave petunias. I could see how they would blend into the background and not be visible from the street. I was looking around on one of my favorite sites yesterday, and came across these from Proven Winners: http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=8941&page=1&searchKeywords=supertunia&_=1303401616457 I just LOVE yellow. It's my favorite color. I've never seen petunias in yellow before. I have a feeling that they will not be easy to find in my area. But this is a possibility instead of the purple. Or, I might do a lighter purple like this one: http://www.provenwinners.com/plants/detail.cfm?photoID=6133 Or a mix of dark/light and white like this: http://www.pwcertified.com/photolib/MediumJPG/PFWildThings.jpg Thank you for the complements! I do have to say I get lots of complements on my flowers every year. Nothing feels better than when people out walking will slow down and comment on my house! When I see that, it makes my day. It's funny that one of you mentioned ferns. I have done ferns before (one summer), and loved them, and I'm planning on two ferns this summer. The only problem with ferns is that I had a bird build a nest in one. Not something that would bother me, except for the surprise of them flying out as I was walking out my front door. I thought my mail carrier would fall up my front steps when one flew out when he was delivering! So, I'm going to do some shopping around. There aren't too many nurseries around this area with much variety....that's the problem. I'm in the process of two other big projects right now...sanding/staining the steps and my upstairs hallway (so I'll have almost all hardwoods), and painting my LR/stairwell/upstairs hallway in a hot chocolate color (can't remember the name right now - it's from Lowes). Busy time! I also plant a lot in our backyard, which gets mostly sun, so I can do more back there. Thank you all for your opinions! And thank you for the picture of the Blue Pearl impatiens. They are beautiful, and I might have to consider them. Beth

fmroberts: You have lovely gardens and outdoor area for entertaining. Thank you for sharing. Almost (but not quite) makes me want to move to Illinois! Here in Bay Area land is VERY expensive so we have to be creative with much smaller spaces. annz: I was looking at those offset umbrellas yesterday as well. Costco is also selling them. Thanks for all the suggestions. I need to think on this some more. DD's window in the one the rectangular one that is in the corner area. She already has wood blinds that work pretty well, though the room does get hot in afternoon. flyingflower: This is what the website said about being "rust proof": ---------------- Each Woodard frame is purified and dipped into a bath of zinc phosphates (rust inhibitors) during our state-of-the-art MetalGuard finishing process. Wrought Iron frames are electrostatically coated, creating a permanent seal that locks out rust. They are also finished with the highest quality powder-coat paint finish for durability and beauty. Woodard continues to hand-craft each piece of wrought iron furniture-a tradition handed down through generations. Combining the heaviest available solid wrought iron stock with the best steel, our individual craftsmen use an anvil and hammer to forge the intricate details found on many Woodard frames. Woodard designers meticulously study each product style with the goal of preserving authentic designs. Fabrics are selected on the basis of quality, coloration, trend, and in some cases, historical significance. Finish choices range from colorations which are current in vogue to those who are traditional and timeless. Design integrity by Woodard is a reality-not a concept. -------------- That plus my friend's personal experience makes me pretty confident. Her family is from Detroit and BIL works there and so multiple members of the family have these sets and no one has had a problem, even in Detriot. He was to have bought 2 sets for us at annual employee sale, but flaked out for some reason. Anyway, even at retail pricing it's comparable with other cast aluminum sets so most likely we'll get one of the sets by Woodard. She did say her mother uses cushions, though she does not, and her chairs are very comfortable and in a sunnier spot than I've planned. I've been to a few afternoon parties at her house when they just had it under a pergola and some chairs were out in the sun--no one complained of the chairs being hot, but an excellent point to consider. If they did, I would just get the cushions, though would prefer not as the set is going under birch trees which keep it fairly shady plus the leaves and little branches fall down in that area and I'd worry it'd mess up the cushions. This is what I am thinking of getting: 54" round table: 6-8 rocker chairs (these are soooo comfortable), in either one of these styles: Briarwood rocker: Windflower rocker: I'm not sure if I'll just get two extra rockers with hopes I can squeeze around the table, if needed, but keep where I have the white chairs in pic. above or a nice comfy bistro style lounging set with cushions for that area under the umbrella. I may just start with a set of table, 6 chairs and decide later if I want more chairs or not. She told me of a store in Campbell and one in Cupertino that carry the brand locally, though I will shop around on internet for best pricing.