Ken 3rd year back fairly normal. Mid April for things to stir here and by mid May transformation all but in. Deep moisture is good. In fact I am still transplanting since its so cool and for the most part cultivars are still dormant. Snow to move in about mid morning. Dax...The Sham obtusa, I called it, was replaced with Cedrus libani var.atlantica 'Horstmann'. I tried Sham twice and died both times. This conifer in B&B plus 6 ft. in height will not support itself ,that big, with 90% of its root base gone. !-2 ft. potted versions will survive.but I am not going back there. Dave

Flora, I thought they might be G. ikariae, when I bought those first few bulbs back in the 60's they were in a bulk bin just labeled snowdrops. I thought I was just buying the common ones, when these shiny green leaves came up the following year I thought to myself these don't look like snowdrops, good job I didn't shovel prune them LOL. When they finally bloomed I went looking trying to identify them, I thought they looked very much like the ikariae in the book Shrubs by Roger Phillips and Martyn Rix so if you think they might be too, they probably are. Glynis, this is the second H. foetidus I've had, the first one I had for 4 years and then it up and died. This one I've had for about 6 years, I haven't let it set seed maybe that's why I still have it. We'll see I want to collect seed this year, hope I don't lose it. I have another little odd ball a girlfriend grew from seed she collected, it has small green flowers and blooms a little later, could be a cross or... I moved it last year so don't think it will bloom this year. When it does I'll post a pic on the Hellebore forum, see if I can get an identification. I said I wasn't going to order any more Hellebore seed but I see Ashwood Nursery is now selling seed of their doubles, I'm weakening LOL. LOL Kathy, "Some people would complain if you hung them with a new rope" I'm going to remember that one. As far as winters go Vancouver is having the warmest winter in their recorded history so we on the island probably are too. Right now most years the ground would be frozen. Thanks all for taking a look, I usually don't have anything to show at this time of year and when I finally do it's just old hat, I'm so far behind everyone else when things bloom. Annette

First off, thanks, that was a sweet comment! Glad you enjoy my blog. Now for your questions the best I can. 1. Sun - That's considered partial shade at best, though everything but true sun lovers should do ok there. By sun lovers I mean tomatoes, peppers, corn and the like. But heck, give whatever you want a try, you're not out much if it doesn't work, then you'll know. That's what we all did, hehe. 2. Peas - I went Oregon Sugar Snap. They grow 30 inches tall and like a trellis, but I think Granny's idea of a stake or stick in the ground for them to climb is a great idea! Go with whatever you like that works in your area, but check how tall it grows. Web sites tell you. You want one that grows shorter. Sorry I can't be more help, our climates are too dissimilar. 3. Trellis - Gee, my trellis was as simple as 2x4s bolted to the bed with netting strung across it. Regular boards keep it sturdy, but I don't have your wind to deal with. Not sure how it would hold out, but I know you can get all of it at ACE. Note I love my local True Value, shop locally! 4. Peas - We know what's dear to your heart, this is a duplicate question, so you only asked 6... so don't feel bad that you asked 7, hehe. 5. Veggie - I'd have to say my cucumbers, they're amazingly productive and versitile. I use them on sandwiches and salads and I made pickles for my wife. Can't beat that! 6. Wood - I'm biased, since I heard the same thing as you and went with pressure treated. It lasts forever and neither my brother nor I have had any ill effects from it. I'm growing organic (I think), but don't care about any label, so I went treated. You're call, but cheaper sounds good enough for me in this economy! Finally ask away, most of us (and definitely EG, Granny and myself) love helping out! Here is a link that might be useful: Sinfonian's garden adventure!

And today... [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/carladunn/2006%20pool/julypool2006014.jpg[/IMG] [IMG]http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b18/carladunn/2006%20pool/julypool2006008.jpg[/IMG] Here is a link that might be useful: