If your not going to have it grinded down, understandable, because it is expensive... you should at least get some 1inch x 12 inch drill bits and drill holes strategically around the stump and then use stump rot potasium nitrate, urine (seriously..), manure, or other organic materials... in about 2 years the whole thing will be crumbling apart. The more ideal way is to put kerosine in the holes and burn it, but it's too close to those other trees and probably your house for you to do that. Here is a link that might be useful: Tree Stump Natural Removal

Thanks for that suggestion esh_ga! I've never heard of Illicium floridanum but then there are many plants I'm not familiar with -- lots to learn. Based on what I've read on the Internet after your suggestion it does sound like Illicium floridanum just might do the job for me. It's certainly worth a try! Thanks again, Jerry

you could put a simple screen in the corner to hide the pumps. the "Improvements" catalog has some nice screens. You certainly need some plants to screen them, and in those planting areas. You could also paint your "boring wall" to add some color and interest. You say you have planted many things without success. What things? Are you planting native and adapted plants, or are you trying to plant east coast things which don't do well in the climate. What do you think is causing your failures? Not a good watering system? Is there caliche under there? what? You might ask for some plant recommendations here in the Arizona Gardening forum. YV, I think "steel cactus" is . . . exactly that. Garden art made of steel in the shape of a cactus -- saguaro I presume. Lots of steel garden art in the desert.

Maybe I should have opened up the email first. Check this out! My client asked me for a top designer and I told her to call Corey. I have know him for a long time and he is as anal about design as me. The big difference between us is that he is both a certified designer and NKBA design teacher/speaker - and I am not. I have opinions but am better building than designing I think - especially when it comes to Kitchens. This is going to be a Kick Ass project. Glad I have a small part in it. I love designers who can do these 3D drawings! Thanks Corey! http://www.houzz.com/pro/coreyklassen/corey-klassen-interior-design