Thank you for the reply Manda. I got proactive yesterday after hitting rock bottom. I was able to reach over the hog wire since its so thin and I pulled up every stick, log and branch. It felt good. Really Good. He "caught" me in the act and I confronted him, mentioning codes, branches from a 2 year old ice storm, not mowing, rats and other rodents and that this fence solution would not fly and he had to do something because I am going to call the city. We had already politely suggested people who worked cheap and ideas on four occasions so I feel he has had every chance. It will take me probably 3 city pickups to get rid of what I pulled out yesterday but it was a great way to work out my anger. I found out the fine for the stagnant pond is $1000. The cut branches were listed as a violation but I don't think they fine you for that. Stagnant water--serious business. They make 3 visits, a warning, a second to see if it in compliance and then a third to clean it up and bill the person. Each visit is charged $200 unless you do something. I feel better. One way or another the party is over. No more molly coddleing.

I'm just starting myself. I'm planting a good chunk of my 1/2 acre with many types of grasses starting from seed. I've been getting seeds online from all over: - ebay - swallowtailgardenseeds.com - hardyplants.com - penyaseeds.com - outsidepride.com - http://www.edirectory.co.uk/chilternseeds/pages/banner.asp?companyid=211 - www.seedhunt.com So far almost everything is sprouting. Here are a few tips: - Buy good seeding soil. - I bought a sprayer (like you use to spray roundup) and fill it with water and a diluted solution of fertilizer and hormones, very easy to water the seedlings this way. - Many people (especially in ebay) will sell you ridiculous things like 25 seeds. 25 seeds of ornamental grass won't get you very far. - Don't plant only one seed per "cup". These are grasses, you want tufts. Many seeds! - Make sure pampas grass is NOT invasive in your area (it is in mine). I actually bought some seeds of a dwarf variety that I'd love to try, but can't. - Read every message in this forum. Tons of stuff - see also Davesgarden.com But like I said, I'm new at this myself. Enjoy

I'm glad to know you enjoyed the photos! Thanks so much for replying. Joey, the plant in question was in a recently planted pot so Linaria "Fairy Bouquet" it is. One internet source listed it as an alpine plant, so I'm guessing it's one, like pansy and snap dragon that will make it through San Antonio's comparitively mild winters.

Thank you everyone for looking at the photos and enjoying the garden with me. There much appreciation for your remarks. Marti, that's a summer phlox just starting to open in the center of the 6th photo. Did anyone notice the little drama going on in the 3rd photo? As is so often the case I didn't until I saw the picture.