Lavender, sedum, & milkweed are low-water plants, but hydrangeas' common name is "water-sucking sponge"! If they're in the same area, just be sure to give the hydrangea enough water without drowning the others. While they're new, I'd water them a bit more, to be sure that the plant gets enough water even though its roots have been disturbed, but pay attention to the moisture in the soil; if it's dry about 1" down, you can water a little, but don't water wet soil or your plants will drown. When you see new growth, cut back to 'regular' watering. If you were here in Texas, I'd say to watch them for heat stress & be prepared to put a shade cloth over them or just pile some of last year's autumn leaves over them until they adjust, but I don't know what your sun & heat are like, so use your powers of observation, & maybe check with some local garden clubs for expertise. Your plants sound beautiful, & I hope you enjoy them for a long time to come!

Jackie, Good for you! Fragrance is very important. BUT, most of the time, I can't smell most of my roses. The Rugosa Rotesmeer is the only rose I grow which consistently provides me scent. I can also smell myrrh which is probably why I like it. I can pick up a little wafting scent as I walk through the garden. It is light and pleasing. But, disappointing when you figure I have at least 30 very fragrant roses. On the other hand, the fragrance of the butterfly bushes is overwhelming. And I love my "Miss Kim" too. So fragrance is not necessary to allow me to love my roses.

Actually, my wife is a bigger fan of watching football than me. We watch when the Packers are playing. The packers did not play in the super bowl this year, ergo, we made no effort to watch - did catch part of Bruce Springsteen's 1/2 time show. I understand that the Steelers made fantastic 100 yd run to their goal following an interception at the opponents goal line - what a save!

Perhaps you could have a trip to Mount Annas(Correct Name?) which I beleive has native plants from all over and discover what they do with the WA natives. I thought Kangaroo paw like it a bit damp and sandy. We had a man from Strathmerton,Vic.speak at APS the other night who ripped up his clay fairly deeply, mulched, hilled and swailed, and had good results. Yes it has to do with microclimate and soil . Research to learn about the plants' natural habitat. After all some WA plants do not grow in sand. Don Burke has a good native garden. But Mount Annas National gardens would be your best bet.