The asters recovered from heavy rains and are still blooming well although not sending out new stems. Probably will try pinching back next spring - hopefully resulting in even bushier plants.

Purple Gem is a widely available and attractive dwarf rhododendron, but unless it is grown in full sun - 6 or more hours of direct exposure - it will become "stemy" as yours has. So, it's a normal look for the ones grown in too much shade, but not as dense as it would be in more sun. The rolled leaves indicate the need for water, especially if they remain rolled in the cooler temperatures of early morning. Lack of sufficient nitrogen can cause yellow leaves, but this doesn't seem likely if it's planted in decaying pine needles. Likewise, iron deficiency is unlikely because the soil should be acid enough in this location. It may well be the natural color of the newest leaves which will become a darker green with time. MiracleGro is, at best, very temporary. A better fertilizer is Holly Tone, but wait until next year so you don't stimulate late, soft growth.

So.. why on earth does this plant have blooms if it can't be pollinated by anything?? :) (Yes, i realize there are thousands of plants out there that are self-sterile, not to mention sterile as a whole. I'm just frustrated. :) I've tried selfing blooms... I've even set my alarm to be awake just as the blooms open fully, so i can pollinate it while its fresh. (And also, at all the various stages of the flower's life for the day.) I understand that some varieties are self-sterile. But how the heck are the variegates popping up?? Gotta be SOME way to make this thing go to seed!! I've searched for months on the 'net for information that might lead me to an answer... But no luck. :/ Everybody says "Propagate from cuttings." and dont bother to tell you how to get the bloom to go to seed. Anyone have any clues?

The tree is in my flagstone courtyard. There are river stones laid underneath by a previous owner. At one point a climbing hydrangea and ivy covered them, but I needed to control them so they are no longer there. It's hard enough to weed the flagstones (I have had luck with moss and am trying creeping phlox and sedum between them), but these stones are impossible. What are my options, and their relative merits? It is not completely shady as the tree only weeps on the western side, admitting some morning sun.. Thanks for all ideas!