I've already lost one oakleaf hydrangea, and am quite skeptical of trying again. The New England forum is fairly consistent in calling them only hardy to zone 6. Paniculums do well here, and my Endless Summer is definitely earning it's shady spot under an oak tree. Azaleas and Rhodos are a struggle here because of hardiness and pH issues. So far I haven't found anybody doing well with any of the Northern Lights with a pH above about 6.5. I have a swamp azalea doing reasonably well, but it's planted in a peat moss swamp. Basically, there are reasons I grow roses.

In my yard one large crepe mrytle (even though much smaller ones in pots closer to the house are fine) has not leafed out as well as a neem tree and all my vitex and lorapetalum. I lost a total of two salvia which surprised me since I planted many right before the frost and they were pushing my zone a bit. All the other perennials are leafing out again and looking lovely despite this cruel heat and not a drop of rain. It's always a challenge isn't it? Adele

Haves: I'm waaaay behind the digging curve here, BUT will take a look at some of the want lists and see what I can bring. I think my gweb mail works but in case it doesn't, email me at LynneinMD AT gmail DOT com... Anyone want some miscanthus? I have plant sale leftovers in (I think) 2-gallon pots. Sedum (I don't think it's 'Autumn Joy' but it's similar. Possibly 'Autumn Fire', from the pics I've found online) Sedum 'Dragon's Blood' Sedum 'Tricolor' Dianthus 'Frosty Fire' which is a hot-ish pink, not the red on the tag (not that I care, but I know that some do...!) California Poppy (I think...I planted these as seeds last year and have new plants in the same place..) Creeping Thyme possibly 'Pink Chintz' Rudbeckia Salvia shrub (small pink flowers, no idea which variety) catnip Nepeta 'Walker's Low' Violets Iris - deep dark purple and a whole bunch of surprises. Lynne

Late to the party, but for me McMansion landscaping is a home where, even with a three second drive by, you can tell that the local landscaping company designed, installed, and maintains the whole thing. Plants are chosen for ease of care and hardiness with no thought to the personality of the home or it's occupants. It is rows of the most common conifers, the hardiest boxwoods, a bit of ornamental grass for "interest," a small tree that blooms each spring, and one or two sections of pooled annuals in locations that are quick and easy to change out each season- all surrounded by perfect mulch. In other words, completely and utterly boring. You can just tell that the homeowners never go outside- it's all window dressing. "And while it is not at all unique to McMansion style landscape design, my primary suggestion is to avoid siting plants where they will need to be pruned, trimmed or otherwise mangled to remain in an appropriate scale without overwhelming their neighbors, any views or adjacent architecture. Excessive or unnecessary pruning is the bane of my existance!" And it is the joy of mine :) I always choose plants that I can nurture, shape, and direct- I love pruning better than anything else. If I don't have enough to keep me busy all spring I will invariably start in on things that don't need it, so I like high maintenance plants!. Exception to the rule, maybe, but true.