I'm not sure where you read that planting under a tree would kill it - it is simply not true! Trees growing in the natural environment routinely have other, smaller plants growing under them. Even in heavy forests, there is always undergrowth! As Ken stated, raising the soil level under existing trees can be harmful but in virtually all cases, underplanting them at the same soil level is not an issue. Some trees dislike much disruption in their root zone (Japanese maples for example) so it is best to plant things that will grow happily without the need for division or replanting. And other trees have such aggressive root systems that it is a challenge to get things to thrive within the spread of their canopy or even further. But most trees are very happy with accompanying shrubs or perennials and groundcovers in close proximity. In a small urban or suburban lot, I dislike trees planted plunk in the middle of the lawn. They have no sense of place and look like after thoughts. Plus lawn up to the base of a tree can be a hindrance to successful establishment, not to mention the potential for string trimmer or mower disasters. A good sized bed with complimentary underplantings give trees context and anchor them into the landscape.

Thank-you people! We now have a fairly long dry creek which needs to handle a high volume of water. It has two levels - water comes in from the top and is "visual" and then directly under this is a hidden french drain - they all drain into a dry pond which will be filled with moisture loving native plants to clean the ground water - then it all goes back into a pipe and down the way. There are also funky tributaries to our dry creek to handle all the water coming down the bank, a few more areas need to be incorporated. It was made by the contractors and we just used rip rap but I will also add in my concrete "chunks" and the few nice found rocks the contractors dug up while grading. Eduarda, thanks for that article! It's perfect. Essentially I want mine to look like a cross between Cameron's beautiful dry creek and the Fine Gardening dry creek. Cameron, I will need to get some ideas from you about the native grasses you planted in here. Luckily I will have the ability, if necessary to "reverse" the flow of water from stored water back into the dry creek to keep everything moist. A pump and an underground water line that runs back up to the "front" of the stream will do the trick. So far our "project" is shaping up very well. A few more things need to happen before the patios go in - more retaining walls and drainage. I've got a LOT of planting to do these next few years. I have a feeling winter sowing will be my best friend!

Good to see the discussion warming up. I'll consider sulfur, in my desire to have palm trees. gk5040: well, that's exactly the point: I'm looking for palm trees that can stand cold. Also, there is zone 8 and zone 8. I'm a native of north Florida, zone 8, and I can tell you that our zone 8 here in Italy is a different climate entirely. I would like to try Sabal palms, though, the more cold hardy varieties. There are cold hardier palms, but the Sabal palm is native to and adapted to Florida and is a handsome tree, which is why your book lists it. I doubt seeds from North Florida would do much for me in Italy. Alex, thanks for the suggestions, which I will bear in mind. They're encouraging. Melissa

Couple strong folks to pick it up & move it around the bathroom out of the way while working around it. Place it on a long piano dolly to make each relocation easier. Or, demo either the door frame or a wall to move it out, then back in. Add the cost of rebuilding door or wall to your project, What else could there be to do?