Good job with your toms. A couple of my early plants have very small fruit, while others are still putting out their first blossoms. Like your White Swan Ech. After two years of trying, I finally got one WS seedling this year so I hope to have more in the coming years. They would go nicely with Jade. I know what you mean about Wsing and room. Last year, I ripped out a whole lot of things and made room for 'new arrivals' this year. I am also WSing perennials for my neighbour, who just bought the house two doors down and is trying to create a garden for his two kids. He is a single father and works, so I'm giving him a hand. I just love to grow plants - it's the miracle of seeing that little seed grow that gives me so much joy. Aren't we lucky!!

You know, I have no idea when I got that cactus but, I pretty am sure it was at the last trade that GGG hosted which, I believe was in 2007. It was so small, I was afraid to leave it outside for winter the first two years so it sat in the greenhouse. Last year I left it, in the pot you see, with a couple other plants to test their hardiness. Those that survived the cold and rain got good marks and are allowed to remain in my collection. I am tired of transplanting so many marginal and sub-tropicals each year and have decided to reduce my inventory to more hardy specimens. That Lizard's Tail(Saururus cernuus)is a naturally occuring(in the southeast) wetlands plant and considered to be invasive in certain areas although, quite easily managed in one's garden. It has taken four years to create a small stand of a dozen or so plants from a single plant. Not what I would call aggressive. Crepping Jenny does fine in our full sun and 90°+ temps. I water a lot so, I don't notice much wilting in the afternoon. The Flame Azelea is a "Rescued Plant" from a construction site on top of Burnt Mountain in Jasper, Ga. Several color variations grow wild there. It blooms well for a few weeks and then fades. The blooms fall of as they mature. I have it planted under the canopy of a large Red Oak in almost pure compost mixed with masonry sand. The Yarrow is a super close up. The camera lens was maybe four inches from the plant which, gives a deceptive appearance to the size of the flowers. I like the close ups because you see more of the structure of the flower, like the wishbone stamens in the Torenias which are commonly named 'Wishbone Flower' for this reason. I have all three colors of Yarrow together in one location. The Torenia have become one of my favorite annuals because they tolerate a good deal of shade but, can take full sun in pots as long as they remain somewhat moist(but more tolerant then Begonias and Impatiens). I am currently looking for the white variety in stores to fil in a dark area in a mostly shaded spot that only sees the sun after 5:00. Your Butterfly 'bushlet' is taking a rest in the greenhouse awaiting for a spot to be determined. I don't like transplanting some items from trades imediantly that look like stress could do them in. It has been too hot and I am going on vacation for a week and can't depend on it being left on it's own. Also, I am wary to put it too close to the 'Honycomb' Buddleia since, it is now about 5 feet across and 7 feet tall, and must choose wisely where it will have the room it will eventually require. I want the two close but, not intertwined and plan to use them as screening from neighbors. Hope that answers ALL of you questions.

Sandy, Love your gardens, your hostas are to die for and your flowers are so pretty. Love how you mix the shrubs, vines, flowers, ground covers, and hostas all together. I also love your statuary! I have a bunny garden and a cat garden. Your bunny with the carrots and those cats by the trellis are sooooo cute!!!! Wish I could find something that cute. We just don't seem to have them here in my area. Everything seems to be just ordinary here. Did you find them locally or buy them on the internet or maybe mail order? Great Gardens!!!

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