Rachel - I asked a dumb question about Mel B and trellising - and found out the answer today. Every year I dig out my copy of Square Foot Gardening only to look up some veggie to get spacing. Now realize that I have owned this book for 23 years - and that's probably how long it's been since I read the whole book (and how long it's been since I started SFG). Well, since finding this forum a few days ago, I dug the book out and started re-reading it. And noticed that that's who Mel B is - so the answer was right in front of me. My copy is from 1981 - Oh I'm getting old!!! Sorry for asking a dumb question...

lindac - I said I hoped the piece was at least 1950's or under. No, I would not be able to tell a difference in 10 years. lol OK, heard back and received some more photos. I can't tell how old, but I suspect that sweeby could be correct, but as someone2010 said, I think $80 is still a good deal if the piece is sturdy. Looking at the close-ups by email, there are several little "flaws" in the piece. The hardware also looks newer. However, a little touch up here and there and the piece could be fine for my needs. I changed my mind about where to put it. I was thinking a hallway, but I would really like something longer behind my family room couch so that I can add more photographs. This piece would really fit in with my existing furnishings in that room. I currently have an 80 some-odd year gate-leg farm table as a sofa table. The other pieces (except for the TV cabinet) were my parents, and they are more French Provincial looking in the legs, as is this CL piece. Here's some photos of my family room and the furniture. I wonder if they have the key!

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