My standout new plant this year was by far Gallardia "Oranges and Lemons". It was the last plant blooming in late Nov after frosts and made tireless stands of beautiful, bright flowers all summer long. I just deadheaded whenever I walked by, and this plant took care of itself. I sure hope it comes back this spring. If not, I will buy another one as an annual, it was THAT GOOD. Agastache "Tutti Frutti" did very well, making a 3 ft small bush that was always beloved by hummingbirds, butterflies and bees. I would like to find a closer place to put one next year so I can better enjoy the creatures that love it so much. Perhaps as part of a container planting on the patio... Disappointments are Monarda "Jacob Cline" because it won't stand upright. It sprawls sideways, etc and is not the look I had hoped for. Nor did it bloom very well this year. Same story for my Gallardia Goblins in same bed, now they did bloom profusely, but not standing up. Instead they flopped all over the place and were a distraction to me. We'll see if they come back too. Not sure what to use in their places if they don't comeback or perform well enough. I need hot colors for a full sun, dry bed in front of house. Sections needing a 3 ft tall upright grower and sections for about a 2 ft tall upright grower. Suggestions ? Thanks in advance !

Holy Crap...Claire, that picture of the Red-winged Blackbirds is wonderful! That red really jumps out at you. I've never seen them in a flock like that. How lucky you are to have such a view from your window. And wild Turkey...are they not the strangest big birds you have ever seen walking? We had them by the hundreds in CT. They would troop through our woods/yard and kick up all sorts of ground litter. You could mark their path as they moved on. Like a flock of big ol' chickens. And yes, I know full well about the bird poop v gray car issue. But, better gray then black or navy... I have heard back from PFW. The final word is...Pine Warbler. Anne Marie said that their song is much like the Chipping Sparrow, as is the song of the Junco. I did not know that. I do not have many Junco, a hand full at most. I don't think I have ever heard them in song but, now I know what to listen for. Something else that I have learned from PFW. terrene...I can not say that I have ever seen a Chipping Sparrow up close. I see them during the nesting season, only with my field glasses, up in the tops of the pine trees, singing their little hearts out...marking their territory I think. Such a loud song from such a small bird. As I recall, they have a chestnut crown with a light eyebrow and a black/dark eyeline? Their underparts are a light gray...that I know. A very sweet little bird. I'm getting better with my Sparrow ID...just in time to start work on the Warblers... I will now be watching for the Chipping Sparrow with my new, more educated eye. We use to see the Purple Finch a lot in our yard but that is going waaaay back...15 years at least. I saw one this season and almost jumped for joy. We get a lot of House Finch which are nice, but the Purple Finch is always a special find... The Red-belly Woodpeckers in our yard still love the grocery store suet. I have seen the female at the tube feeder that holds the sunflower hearts. A sight to see. I have been seeing the Bluebirds almost every day. I think they may be here to stay. I am going out in just a little bit to get another Bluebird box. I have one in the front yard but I think they may like one in the back yard, a bit farther away from the house. I'm still thinking about those mealworms... sooey who is seeing lots and lots of busy little birds out there...

LMAO...I just emailed Tina/kilngod that I planned/hoped to make brownies tonight after I get done digging and digging, and get the Jeep all packed up....if I have any energy left at all. Anyone else still digging? I'm been at it 2 days...which is a lot for me to stay at anything. Focus, focus, focus...get everything dug that was 'promised'...sigh. Sue

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