Florence, I never get tired of that picture. ZD loves you! My roses have TRIED to teach me patience. For the most part they've given up on me except for Marie van Houtte, who has languished in her probably too shady spot for three years, still only about two feet tall with almost no flowers. Now that's where I probably should be giving up. Ingrid P.S. Hoping for pictures of your spring garden this year!

Ykli- Isn't it human nature to be jealous and want what others have? Just kidding! It is a beautiful plant, and I'm happy for you, but I still really want one myself! I did get my Stanley order yesterday, and they are all very nice plants. Watch the new thread for pics hopefully later today of many of them! I was really disappointed though, I had several Calocedrus on the order and I guess they lost their whole crop over the winter. Might make me reconsider trying them here depending on what caused their demise in Oregon! They are rated to Zone 6 and though we are rated as 6 I still think we are a 5b at best. Though with careful selection of sites, I can usually keep Zone 6 plants alive with no problems. Keith- Thanks, I will contact you for the list. I have never ordered from Dennis though I always hear great things about him. I have been on the website several times before, but as you said it is wildly outdated...As mush as I hate to admit it, I am part of the modern McDonald's society that wants it Right Now!!! Eliot

I added a post tonight on our visit to the Green Animals Topiary Gardens in Portsmouth RI. I was really inspired and I am having some ideas of filling in my pond, cutting down all my trees, and creating my own topiary zoo in my back yard! Should I go for it? Here is a link that might be useful: Green Animals Topiaries

roselee - thanks for the suggestion for the otho b gone. I guess I am a glutton for punishment in that department. With the exception of fire ants (and that's after I'v exhausted other options), I am totally organic. :) melvalena -Thanks so much! My mama was quite an amazing gardener and decorator (think southern living) and such an inspiration. She gave me the passion for gardening and I can't think of a better way to honor her either. Barbara- thanks for reminding me! :) I am really hoping I spaced things well enough. Kathy - thanks so much for a great suggestion! I am anxious to get some vines going and this will make it so much easier. pjtexgirl - thanks!! The little girl statue came from my mama's garden. She's been a fixture since I was a little girl. My sweet puppy that is in the last picture....we just had to put her down last week and boy it's been tough. She was always content to lay in the yard with me while I gardened. She is missed so much. Thought I would add another shot of my angel helper Sadie. She was napping after a busy day helping me outside.