If you're intersted in this to know when to prune, here are some guidelines. If it will bloom in the spring, there are usually two different kinds of buds on it during the winter, flower buds and leaf buds. But it's sometimes hard to tell the difference. The easiest way is to wait until things bloom this year and make notes of timing. Then you can prune at the proper time. If it blooms in spring, prune right after blooming. If it blooms in summer or fall, prune during the dormant winter period. Of course, you can always ask at your local cooperative extension office. There are also books (keys) available to identify most shrubs and trees in the dormant season if you are trained and observant. Then you can look them up and find the right time to prune. Good luck. Patience and observation are probably your best teachers. Sandy

For a large quantity of blooms to cut, you will probably be better off with annuals than with perennials, especially if you're growing them from seed. I grow mostly perennials and woody plants, but do have a few thoughts for you. Zinnias will grow and bloom quickly, but I find the water turns very smelly after just one day; so if you're going to arrange them the day before the wedding, that's a consideration. Cosmos also grow quickly, make good cut flowers, and should give you masses of blooms in colors ranging from white through pinks to deep red. Snapdragon is another quick grower, blooming in late spring to early summer. I hope someone will chime in with more suggestions for you. If not, perhaps try the Cottage Garden forum - there are lots of very friendly and experienced gardeners there from all over the country ... there's bound to be someone who grows annuals in your climate. Don't forget fillers (like baby's breath, gypsophila) and greens - you can choose from solid or variegated leaves, smooth or rough textures, large & bold leaves or long and narrow, even trailers like ivy, whichever best suits your arrangements and your fancy. A trusted friend to help with the arrangements sounds like a good idea. Have a wonderful time with the preparations and best wishes on your wedding day.

Bossy, wonder what the problem is that you can't grow Mock orange. I got my start from a friend in Seguin who has deep acid sandy soil and her's flourishes. Here it grows in an alkaline environment with very little soil. Bostedo, thank you for reminding me of Rusty Blackhaw viburnum. Mara, the two trees you mention sound interesting too, although I don't know where I'd find room to plant any of them.

Oh wow - I had no idea this thread had come back to life! Philipatx - I found Della Reese locally at an Armstrong Garden Center. Amanda - Stainless Steel is a champ. Has no mildew, and no disease at all. Thank you to all for the kind words. Right now I look into my garden and sigh. We're getting bombarded with rain - more than usual for us, everything is soggy and mucky, grass is now about 10" high and in this wet there isn't much I can do about it, I keep wanting to spray my pruned rose nubbins but can't get a break in the weather to do it, and it's just kind of downright depressing. And then I feel bad for complaining knowing how mild even our more extreme winters are here compared with the rest of the country. Seeing this thread revived reminds me that wonderful things are ahead (and a LOT of work). Hopefully this will be another good rose year, and I'm hoping after having the worst cane borer year last year I can get somewhat a handle on them with some dormant oil spray - at some point! Thank you for the encouragement!