You don't have to sign up thru only Facebook or Twitter to join Pinterest, I used my email address and a password. (Even tho I am on FB too). I just joined Pinterest about a month ago and its totally addictive to someone as photo-obsessed as I am. Most of the old gang here knows how I save pictures. LOL. I mostly lurk here these days since I haven't made any GJ things to share in quite sometime. Life got in the way last year. But I try to keep up with what's going on here, and on the Conversations side of GJ too. Sandy, hang in as this has always been a great Forum. I hope you found our Inspiration Albums with over 1000 photos saved in them, and by categories to make it easy to go to what you want to see. Karen

THIS is the way your mother made her garden grow. She traded thriving plants with friends and neighbors. Which is exactly what we'll be doing at the New England Plant Swap this Spring. Sharing is the best part of gardening. When a plant does well enough here in New England, others want to know about it. They'd like even more to HAVE some of it. If you haven't been to a good, old-fashioned plant swap, you're in for a treat. Pot up your excess prized plants to share. Load up your bounty and head to beautiful Adams Farm at 999 North St. in Walpole MA on June 2, 2012 at 9 am. There, you will meet other, friendly, local gardeners with their booty for sharing. It's simple, free and fun for all. For each plant you bring, you can take a plant from someone else. All the details are at our web site: http://www.newenglandplantswap.org or we may be reached at info@newenglandplantswap.org. We look forward to seeing you there. Your mother would be proud. In fact, BRING your mother and other friends who like to share. Here is a link that might be useful: 2012 New England Plant Swap

I am in Pennsylvania, but there are a number of people in your area growing rhododendrons. The areas in the Red River valley and the Mississippi valley are probably hotter and more of a challenge for rhododendrons but OK for some azaleas. However the hills in between would be suitable for a number of varieties of rhododendrons, especially the R. hyperythrum hybrids that were bred for the Southern US. The American Rhododendron Society has a list of rhododendrons that do well in Arkansas at http://rhododendron.org/alphalist1.asp?PP=OZ. This list includes some very hardy varieties that do well in both heat and cold. The ARS also has a Rhododendron of the Year program that has a South Central section that should include your area at: http://rhododendron.org/roy15sc.htm. If you look at the bottom of the page, you can see the selections for previous years dating back over 10 years. I would guess the earlier selections are the more obvious choices and the more recent are perhaps more marginal. In any case, there are people near you growing rhododendrons. They probably are using very good drainage since root rot thrives in hot areas, and some "high shade" to cut the impact of the summer sun. Three varieties have the unique characteristic of being Heat & Cold and Sun & Shade Tolerant: Boule de Neige, Nova Zembla and most PJM varieties. One hyperythrum hybrid that has proven reliable in your area is Peppermint Twist: Peppermint Twist – 4', -15F. It has red buds, opening to rose pink flowers, with red flecks in the throat and a white circle in the throat that slowly grows larger each day. Just as attractive as the flowers is the glossy dark green foliage, that is held for three years on a vigorous, but compact, plant. Good Luck!

Yes, I have grown both. I love both of them. Well Being has a lovely bloom--more golden yellow with apricot highlights than Lady of Shalott, and the Well Being bloom has more substance than Shalott's does. It is not, however, the most floriferous bush in the world--but mine is not planted in an ideal spot--a bit shady and dry--so I always figured that was the problem. Whenever I remembered to run over with the hose and give it a good drink (I confess, I often forgot to), it seemed to want to start blooming again. At any rate, I have no intentions of getting rid of it--and once again vow to remember to water it more regularly. Needs an occasional spray for BS, but not a big problem. Here are some more pics: Well Being--perhaps a bit too yellow in this pic I love the contrasting reddish buds on Well Being. You can see how the red faintly outlines the rose petals on the opened bloom. The contrasts are really cool sometimes. I have mixed feelings about Lady of Shalott--being a literary person, I wanted to like the Lady, and I must say I like her bright modern colors--they are sometimes sensational, but the blooms don't last too long, and she doesn't rebloom very fast . But again, she isn't planted in the best spot (I've long ago run out of good spots for roses!). Perhaps my biggest disappointment is that she gets spotty and kinda messy looking around the knees from BS--not highly resistant as hyped, though maybe she would do better in more sunshine. On the other hand, I have no plans to get rid of her. She's taller than Well Being and has slender canes arching gracefully outward. Here's some blooms of the Lady--much more apricot with some gold highlights, although this pic shows more of the golden yellow. You can see--a more lax bloom than Well Being has: But look how apricot (with yellow at the base) the Lady can be. More shapely bloom here. Lovely two-toned buds on the Lady. Sometimes gets quite pale on the outer petals. Much more casual, informal approach to canes and blooms than Well Being. Can get quite apricot orange at times. Oh those danged David Austin blooms--soooooooo photogenic. I'm in love with her all over again and just sure that she will do better this year! Two similar but very different roses. You obviously need to get both! : ) Kate