Leitneria floridana has been hardy through 2 winters for me here in z4a. The first winter was wimpy, but last winter got down below -25F, although not for a long period as it normally would. No flowers buds priduced yet. Mag. sieboldii is hit or miss here, depending on the seed source, but I have had one since 1995, and it blooms and fruits regularly. Others that are long time successes here are: Acer mayabei Aralia elata Calycanthus floridulus Calycanthus fertilis Carya illinoiensis(very northern seed, no flowering yet) Cercidiphylum japonicum Chamaecyparis pisifera types Cornus mas Corylus colurna Cotinus obovatus Diospyros virginiana 'Meader' Euodia danielii Fagus grandiflora Forsythia mandshurica 'Vermont Sun' Ilex x meserve 'Blue Boy', 'Blue Girl' Liriodendron tulipifera Picea asperata Picea crassifolia Styrax americanus(kankakee seed) Thuja koraiensis Thuja plicata 'Cuprea' Viburnum carlesii Viburnum x 'Juddii' Xanthoceras sorbifolia

Alison, I'm checking that ebony flower every day so I don't miss the seeds. Funny, it's the only ebony one. How come only one flower on it though? Any ideas how to get more than one flower after I get the seeds from this one? I love the painted tongue too. Trying to get the seeds from those too. I want lots of them next year. I love gazania too, but those rabbits just won't leave them alone no matter where I plant them, they find them. PM2 The candy lily where WS 3 years ago and just started to bloom Aug 6. Funny to cause I was going to move the fans this fall to a different location because they weren't blooming and was so surprised to see the flower stems full of buds show up all but over night. They are planted in an area that gets morning sun and then sun again later in the afternoon. They will get more sun after a big oak tree is taken down. These are all the same color though I know they come in different colors. Hoping for seeds. I'm pretty sure they can grow in full sun to part shade. Mine are in part shade. Fran

Just you Judy....rocks have been there since the pond. 10+ years now. Funny you say dark tan....we talked about that, but just don't think it will look right with the plum door. I am off this afternoon to try and find some paint colors, also taking a piece of the siding and will try to colormatch that if nothing else looks good. I REALLY appreciate all your opinions!!! Looks like consensus is to paint it the same color. I will let you know what we end up with!

Wow, your home is beautiful and tasteful. I think you guest room is very inviting and seems like a welcoming comfortable place. Your back patio area is also lovely. Where I live 95% of the people have 6 to 8 feet privacy fences around their backyards. It's interesting how different parts of the country do it differently!