If you are in Needham, I'd suggest you go to the Garden in the Woods in Natick. They have a large selection of Native plants, which are more "Earth Friendly". The main thing to know if you are planting in New England is keep track of the climate zones. We are Zone 6. However, big box stores have been known to sell things that don't really grow in this climate. The obvious thing to plant for winter interest is Holly. I find it transplants easily...even I can do it with my "brown thumb". (I tend to plant things at my parents when I visit, but they can't really care for the things I plant. Holly is one of the few things that survives my "plant and neglect" strategy.) However, I don't think Lowes has it right now...they only seem to have it certain seasons. Rhododendron keeps it's leaves all year and does well around here...and has large flowers. Same for some varieties of Azalea. Hydrangea do well and are beautiful, but don't look good in the winter. As far as whether the soil has to be amended, it's hard to say without seeing it. Is it hard? Sandy? New England soil tends to be full of rocks, acidic, with lots of sand or clay. However, the grass seems to be in decent shape, so any of the pretty hearty plants I suggested above would PROBABLY do fine without amending the soil. Here is a link that might be useful: Garden in the Woods

Yama, You may be surprised to learn that I have followed all your postings here on GW very closely over the years. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Wish I lived closer to where you will be teaching. Many years ago I learned the Japanese method of growing moss which works well. I have used it in many landscape projects. Look forward to the methods you will post as I am always anxious to learn any new ideas. I have used a Kaki ita. However, one day inspiration struck when I was making bread using a bench scraper. Cady can tell you what this is. Note to Cady...I am talking about the bench scraper that is an all one type made of stainless steel that curves around to form the handle. Very inexpensive. With this in hand you have a superb weeding tool, soil leveler, edger/weeder along stone paths. Hard to explain just how handy it is in the garden, but urge everyone gardening in sandy and friable soils to try one. This simple piece of metal along with a linoleum knife are my two favorite 'down on the knees' gardening tools.

I've received some samples from some well known slate companies in the New England area which is supposed to have the best slate. I'm trying to choose my kitchen countertop. Nothing that I have poured on these samples has affected them which is good. However, they do scratch but with cutting boards I think I could live with it. A slate sink is also made by one of these companies which I would love to have but can I live with the scratces in this sink is the question. Anyone with any experience with slate countertops and/or slate sinks to help enlighten us?

New England asters as well as the New York varieties are very hard to find on either side of the border. I had a large collection at one time over 65 varieties which included many varieties I imported from the Old Court Nursery in the UK. Alas one winter I lost most of them, why, I'm still scratching my head over that one. The New England varieties are good clumpers where some of the New York are notorious spreaders, but many are well behaved. I wish nurseries on both sides of the border would take note and bring some of these gorgeous fall blooming beauties back in for all to enjoy. Some real beauties I did have in the New York varieties are 'Percy Thrower', 'Blue Eyes', 'Chatterbox', 'Davy's True Blue', 'Fellowship', 'Chequers', 'Helen Ballard', 'Marie Ballard', 'Lady In Blue', 'Little Pink Beauty', 'Patricia Ballard','Plenty', 'Sheena', and many more. I didn't have too many New England asters mostly pinks, 'Adrienne', 'September Ruby', 'Pink Winner', 'Harrington's Pink', 'Purple Dome' and 'Alma Potschke', the last two I lost but a very kind and generous GWer has just given me back some divisions of 'Alma', I'm tickled pink as this was and is one of my favorites. Take a look if you have a minute, why this is one of my favorite perennials http://www.autumnasters.co.uk/picton_garden.htm Annette