Did I see a Japanese Umbrella Pine (Sciadopitys verticillata) in one of those first pics? If so it's gorgeous, what exact variety is it? I have a 18" tall Wintergreen variety and am wondering if yours is one as well (albeit yours is huge compared to mine!).

I went earlier today to the real nursery and bought ten bags of their good topsoil and five bags of their good compost. I could have gone to Home Depot and get cheeper but inferier product. Plus the nusery loads my car just like that and you have to struggle at home depot. Then when I got home I put out the topsoil first and spread it out and then the compost spread out on top. I wish I had thought of taking pictures of the bags all ready laid along the garden to be emptied but all I wanted to do was get it filled with my bagged goodies. Did take after pictures of the empty bags laying around and the iris garden now full of good soil and compost the way I wanted it. Its pretty much leveled out but I will let it sit overnight and tweek any imperfections tomorrow. I have pictures of it now but too tired to download. So will download after I take tomorrows daylily shots and post my update pictures then.

You have a lot of snow cover McT. What is the annual amount you usually get? Thanks for asking how I am everyone. I had bladder repair work done. Lots of us women come to it and I wanted to be better for next spring when I have all that extra garden work to do. These old bodies start to wear out as we age! LOL LOL Not the kind of thing you can talk about to just everyone and here I am spilling my guts to all of you!!!! All your little knomes are still smiling ever when covered with that fluffy white stuff McT and Phil! Connie

Rats, NOW I see that it was already identified! The first time I saw one of these guys, I picked it up from where it was half hidden in the pine straw. I thought it was a section of garden hose. Quite a surprise! I hadn't seen one before that time, either. They are incredibly interesting animals, aren't they? Here is a link that might be useful: