I want to comment on your healthy plants, too. Generally you have not planted too close, which will save you re-planting later. The exception is the arborvitae on the left will cause trouble for the tree next to it very soon. It will grown into the tree trunk and spoil the foliage of the arborvitae, and the tree trunk will stay damp in the foliage. The root competition will be the death of both of them. Regarding aesthetics, I have one suggestion. I hope this doesn't start a big argumentative thread like it did about 2 years ago (so why am I starting it again?) Would you possibly consider using a natural, undyed mulch? Many people love the new dyed mulches, but the softer tones of natural pine bark mulch complement warm colors (like the gold and orange lilies) and cooler blues and greens as well. If you'll go that far, make sure you don't get the nuggets, just the the regular mulch. Another option is start making compost and mulch with that. That will give your plants wonderful nutrients, improve the soil and do away with the need for fertilizer. Keep up the good work! You have the beginnings of a good gardener. idabean/marie

Wow again MrC. I'm tired just thinking about all those lilies. I'm planning to convert the 24 ft diameter above ground pool area to raised bed gardens. so far the pool is gone and 3 out of 5 of the raised beds are constructed. Still need to distribute the rocks that ringed the pool into each bed and order the dirt to fill each one. I'm also finally creating a compost heap. This soil is so sandy. It really needs compost and lots of it. I'm getting a little bird crazy. My SIL in South Carolina has attracted blue birds to her back yard. so far there have been 3 fledged families. I would love to do the same but worry that blue birds are not prevalent in this area. Last I want to get climbing roses established against the shed wall. My hope is to construct trellis' similar to those on Nantucket. I painted the shed wall today and will transplant a couple of climbing roses I've been nursing along. Finally, can you belive this weather!!!!!! Yikes!!!! Everything is gonna bloom at the same time!!! BTW This year's tomato plants are coming along. I chose 2 varieties of green heirlooms along with 4 others. Can't believe I missed "Ruth's Perfect"--- next year for sure!!!

Just hadda share about hawks. Came to this forum to ask a bird question but this post subject intrigued me so I hadda check it out. I've had a hawk in my area for several years now, but only seen him in flight or sitting up on top of a dead tree a block away. But what happend the other day was new to me. There's a small tree across the street that all my sparrows fly to after they feed at my front yard feeders. I was out in my garden and guess I got 'lucky.' All of a sudden, I saw a big bird go flying into that tree !! At first I thought it was a pigeon since I have to deal with them, as well. But it turned out to be that hawk !! I say I got lucky, because I feel as others have said, it's nature and I've never seen a hawk THAT close to the ground!! Anyway, birds scattered, flying out of the tree all at once, making a big ruckus. Then out flew few stragglers, then even a few more after that. Seeing some of them taking so long, I was sure he'd snagged one. I took a chance and walked s-l-o-w-l-y across the street to see if he was feasting on one (not to sound morbid, but once again...it's nature). I wasn't even sure he was still in the tree but as I got about three feet away, out he flew and then just stopped and landed on a fence post, only several feet away from me. He even looked over at me as if to say, "HA HA, you can't catch me, but I'll let you SEE me." He was close enough that for the first time in my life, I could see his markings, his eyes, his magnificance. I took a another step closer and of course, he flew away...towards my house, across the neighbor's roof and then off, off and away. But it was a wonderful experience for me. I was so taken aback that I called my mom and said I wish I had a zoom camera ALWAYS hanging around my neck. My camera phone just wouldn't have done justice. I'm glad he didn't get any of my 'babies' and don't wish death on any animal, but it's survival of the fittest. It's the balance of nature. Of course -- I need to state that I DID NOT read every post in this forum so I may be expressing something that is in total opposition to another post or even the topic at hand. If so, I apologize..... But I just HADDA share. It was soooo cool. bonnie aka brit5467

Hi Aleksandas - I know many people have very strong feelings about taking the life of any animal under ANY circumstances, and respect that. (Or course, anyone who eats meat or has a leather purse, etc., is indirectly involved in euthanizing animals.) However, the term "murder" implies killing in a criminal manner, or inhumane or barbarous manner. Under federal law, it is legal to humanely euthanize House Sparrows. They are not protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as they are introduced, non-native invasive species who have caused significant ecological and agricultural harm. I can not emphasize enough that if bluebird landlords chose to control non-native HOSP via euthanasia, it MUST be done in a humane manner. And I know for a fact that almost all of those who do elect to euthanize do NOT relish it in any way shape or form - in fact, they find it terribly difficult and painful. I agree that it is not advisable to show children (or adults) how a house sparrow is euthanized. It's just too hard to process and understand, especially for those who have not witnessed what can happen inside a nestbox as a result of a House Sparrow attack. However, Diane did NOT do this. She is using a LIVE trap. The birds are not harmed when they go into the trap (unless the HOSP kill each other inside the trap, which sometimes happens, as they can be very aggressive.) I have heard many accounts of children and adults being devastated by opening up a box to find a headless, bloody female native bird sitting on top of her eggs or dead young. It can be pretty traumatic. But nature is cruel sometimes.... On another note... I heard of a mother who sued Disneyland when her child was "traumatized" during a behind the scenes tour by seeing Mickey Mouse changing out of his costume(the child thought he was real.) Bet Here is a link that might be useful: When HOSP attack (warning - graphic photos)