Molie, I have been to Eklund but did not know the history behind it. How wonderful! As a volunteer 'dog trainer', I used to take one of the shelter dogs there for hiking and socializing. But, never in the dog park...one of the worst place to bring a dog. Also, thank you for the dry shade link. It will not be a problem getting those plants for under the tree. However, as you move closer to the driveway, the plants will be exposed to blazing afternoon sun. I actually picked up a mock orange for the site. Apparently, it is an American cultivar (if that's the correct term). However, upon further research, it was not recommended at a site "where sun reflection tends to quickly spoil their flowers and lighten their leaf color". http://www.humeseeds.com/efm_o.htm Can I also add that this plant looks beautiful and smell as good as it looks? I think the intense hot afternoon sun will spoil it. So, I will plant it somewhere else. My brother-in-law Just offered me a prunus maritima beach plum in a five gallon container. It's a good size where I don't have to wait forever. It should work for this sight. It is a northeast native and is endangered.http://www.hort.uconn.edu/plants/p/prumar/prumar1.html But, I'm unsure if fallen fruits will attract flies and deer. nhbabs, you have offered much insight. As for the grubs, the brown areas are found through out the lawn. If you grab a handful of grass, you can pluck it out with minimal effort and there's barely and roots. If you dig with a trowel, you can be sure to find at least 2 in that amount of soil. You are right, I should have the soil tested. Before I started gardening last year, I looked up the UCONN cooperative extension system. I even scooped soil from different areas of the lawn, mixed it up as directed, and, then, just didn't get around to it. I know....awful. Thanks for everyone's input. This planning/gardening is an art! It's not as easy as it looks. I have seen the majority of your beautiful gardens and have much respect for the amount of work you all put into the gardens. I will have to take section in baby steps with the planting since I cannot drop hundreds of dollars at once. -Tina

Here's a Brandywine from last summer. I see Jimmy Durante, or maybe a proboscis monkey:

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I'll do my best to participate! I am so busy at the moment; people are breathing down my neck. Four mosaic guitars and a vase, all overdue! But I may post a past project. In the meantime, here's a music video that's my new favorite and will help us get in the mood! Here is a link that might be useful: Happy