I saw the most fantastic display of red tulips in my neighborhood so I asked the owner. He said, "Oh, they did well this year." Turns out these tulips have been in that bed for years, splitting and growing again to blooming size. In zone 9 that's unheard of! I wouldn't have believed it had I not seen it each year. He shared some and they were the size of the end of my little finger so I don't expect bloom this year. They do look like a Darwin type (not Appledorn with its inner star pattern). I remember Triumph tulips as being poor for naturalizing. Drats as these are my favorites. Best to try are the old red Darwins, kaufmanniana and greigii. The short small species types multiply readily.

If you are interested in Hollies, There are many with wonderfully sharp edges... Blue prince and blue princess holly will grow nicely as long as they get some shade, full florida sun is tough on them in summer. If you want them to berry, you must buy at least one prince and one princess. Mary nell holly will grow fast and tall. my six inch pots grew to 20 ft in six years! birds love them also! I had these in Ocala FL, so if you are similar in temp and rain, they will grow. Also pampas grass. That stuff will slice you where you need stitches (first hand knowledge!), and florida saw palmetto - I find it ugly, but it does well and has nice prickly leaves...

awm03 - yup its the camera the flash still goes off when I open the shutter for longer periods. I tried 3 different settings and the flash won't shut off so it ruins the pic. I will have to get a new card for my Sony and try again next year. Trail- We were at Young's Point Provincial Park in Alberta. So far it is my favorite place to camp near here nice and quiet and lots of trails to walk on. (or run LOL)

Awm03, good for your DH getting out and doing his walks! Badgergal and city, those girls are so cute. They grow up fast. My oldest DGD will be 14 this Sat! Kswl, I meant to write earlier but I forgot where I saw your post. The Nellie R Stevens hollies will get pretty big. I'm sure you know that, right? Or is Nellie B a smaller variety? It will be beautiful with the camellias and yews. And it's exciting to start fresh with new landscaping.