This spot that I put the rose garden on has a tragic history. I had it plowed, to be a giant veggie/flower garden. Next, I got a hundred lilacs, to go along the fence. I came home, and the neighbor had planted caragana along there. I put the lilacs in the far end of the garden, planning to move them later. 15 years later, they're still there. It became a great place to hide the junk. This garden was divided in half by a gravel path, which became a great place to dump rock. The other half of the garden was equally tragic. We went and got the free city compost. Did they compost grass and leaves? No. We introduced every nasty, vicious thug with deep taproots that occurs. The worst are the thistles. You can't actually find anything that kills thistles commercially. There's a product called Torgon, but you have to have a license to get it. Half of this half of the garden went back to grass, to choke out the thistles. It has a crabapple tree and a hedge. So the other half became a rose garden, and me and the thistles and roses co-exist. Canadian bull thistle grows massive amounts of underground runners. I've tried 2-4D, vinegar, boiling water, gasoline, etc. AND they're back. So I just dig them up. After all, roses have thorns, too. This part of the garden has an arch with a gate, and a little cement path to a small pond with a solar powered fountain. These are Chinese junk. I'm on my third one. I did finally read about the Oase solar water fountain for $369, which might be the ticket, If I ever have the dough. Another vicious self seeder I planted there was saponaria. Now, I love this plant, but now I have thirty. The nicest thing that came out of the city compost was wild verbena, which I let happen until I was sorry. That's interesting, how mulching could keep the rain out: another dilemma.

Just wanted to add my thanks to everyone on the forum. I went to Austin for Thanksgiving and missed Faith's message. I'm glad you're aboard, Faith. Thanks for all the ID's, MissSherry, and thanks for sharing your contest, Mike. Michelle, thanks for making the trade for us, and thanks for the info, Tdogmom. EVERYONE else that I didn't name specifically, thanks for making the BF forum a great place to learn and share! Linda, just wanted to say a personal thanks also. I brought back a Gregg's Mist Flower from the great state of TX, so I'm ready for next year! I plan to make a trip to Fredricksburg next spring, so before I go, I'll take requests from the OK bunch for seeds and as many plants as my little car can hold. Sandy

Thank you ladies for all the wonderful compliments. Punk..the iron planter came decorated with fresh Holly & Ivy (for Christmas) and was so pretty. The little pumpkin is actually a rust and green color which went well with the color combo. DH gives painting lessons to my oldest DGS who's also very talented. Mostly now he does lots of woodworking. Please find that Pheasant Plate. I bet it's beautiful...and put it out for us to see! Karen - Thank you..you are so funny... it was Janet's MIL who had those wise words..and they are so true. I'm looking forward to seeing the Dr tomorrow and get a clear 'Bill of Health'! lynnencfan..I like understated too...but then sometimes I see something 'over the top' and say Wow!..but I never find myself doing the same...lol frou..glad you liked the mantel and plates. I've been looking for those plates for awhile and found them on Ebay International at not a bad price. I'll pass the compliment on to DH. magpie > A Tennis Tournament!! wow gal..you must be in Excellent Shape to do that!! Thanks for your caring words... I wish we were closer too.. I think we'd enjoy helping ea other. Wish we were ALL closer..what fun and trouble!! jay...that bus has been making 'Revving' sounds like it's getting bored and 'rarin to go'..! Just need a little more rest and I'm on my way! Gee we took a cross country camping trip once with a pop up...that would be fun doing that and visiting everyone. I definitely can see those Red Farm Transferware Plates in a mantel setting...use browns and rust tones to w/them. nanaK...what a wonderful compliment.. 'like pictures you seen in magazines'! Now that brought a Big Smile to my face...Thank You....Glad you enjoyed everything. marlene...thank you very much for such nice compliments. PLEASE come out of 'lurkdom'..we ALL started out do that here..one by one we came out...me included. Everyone is so gracious and fun...If you have anything to share...we love pictures... I'll look for you ... okay kathleen...I will let DH know you liked his painting... The (half picture) I took of it doesn't do it justice. He amazed me when he completed it - in 2 Weeks at 22 yrs old! oreos-mom...thanks for the kind words.. That pumpkin seems to be pretty popular. Glad you were able to find one at Walmart... I hope Jeannne reads this...she's been looking for one. thanks again everyone for looking.. jane

Great....love this nature shot!