Since we have several professionals here who ... a. Have never sought clients through this board. b. Give tons of "free" advice on a regular basis. I'm not quite sure how to respond. You expressed a notion of "landscaper" above that reduced their expertise to digging holes and plopping in plants. Sure, there are the mow -n- blow guys who call themselves "landscape services", but landscape design can include site analysis, scale drawings, assessment of needs, resolution of drainage issues, soil prep, grade work, coordination of specialized construction, driveways, terraces, stairways, paths, patios, special features ... and a working knowledge of suitable plants for each application. For many it also meant 4 years of college, other professional certifications, and years of professional development. The fact that the pros here give us the level of information that they do, constantly amazes me. And, when asked, they almost always offer something. So, how about wondering for a minute what it was in your original post that pushed two of them to come back with pretty pointed comments. My guess is that it sort of steps on toes when, in a tight economy, someone who doesn't appear to want to put in any effort, asks others to give time and effort to your yard. I have a yard. I have plenty of projects calling to me now ... even in the dark. It's not quite the same as changing the paint color on your walls like they do on some home decorating forums. You are asking us to go and check our research on coastal plants ... I don't know a thing about them myself. Then offer up a changed photo for you to review with a list of plant suggestions. Sorry, if you don't have the time to research the possibilities, I'm afraid I don't eather. Besides, since soil amendment doesn't seem to be a part of the plan, new plants will probably do about as well as the ones your ripping out. But, since it's apparently so simple, don't worry. Just do it. Your home doesn't really need any "design" work ... Just rip out this and plant that. Voila!

Hi Tom, yep it was little far but after reading the thank you's ;looks like it would have been worth the 2 hour drive each way. Have an experiment in 5 gal bucket SWC's underway with Ed S mix and Al mix. Will keep you posted on the results. Of the 3 tomatoes we have grown this winter, think the brandywine best, beefsteak next, and heatwave least. Have you grown these 3 and how do they compare to your favorites in taste. Have 2 big beef's that I bought plants from in SWC's with Ed Smith mix, have promised one of those to a friend. Also have one from your seeds in the intermediate pot. bernie

great picture! Several years ago, we had a cat that was constantly being bombarded by a mockingbird. The poor cat got so it would hide under the car LOL. Those birds must be pretty mean!

Can it hop? Is it feathered out or is it still pink and naked looking? If it can hop and is feathered and there are bushes nearby the parents will guide it to a safe spot they will feed it. If it is in a dangerous spot like near the street or on the sidewalk place it on low brances or in a bush as near to the nest as you can find. Don't try to put it back in the nest or you may make the others jump out. If it is still kind of bald and no where near being able to fly or hop around put it back in the nest. The parents will feed it, birds do not smell well at all.