Kathi, yes, they're nicotiana. Last year I planted nicotiana Aztec, just one plantÂan impulse buy at the farmer's market. It reseeded this year. I don't know if Aztec is a hybrid, but this year's plants are the same white, at least. I was going to add a few more pictures, but I just put them in the Gallery, where I guess these should have gone in the first place. Sorry about that! But happy to meet everyone. Susan

Ron, came across your post which I missed before...what a beautiful place you have. I am in the midst of planting shade companion plants, so appreciate your thoughts on light for the list you have. Hope you will keep posting pics! Oh, forgot...the potted hostas that you overwinter in the garage...do you have any special tricks for overwintering? I have done it 3-4 years now with about an 85% rate, but I'd like to improve on that because I do not like losing even one! I overwintered some out in our shed this last year instead of the garage, and the mice got into them and I lost a bunch. My biggest problems have to do with springtime moisture levels...I do not water them at all in the garage, come spring, I try to make sure at least 1/2 have broken dormancy before going outside. (Leave them in the garage too long, they dry out and die, water them in the garage, or take them out too early, they can rot.) Would love to hear how you handle yours. For this next year, I'm thinking about giving each small one an ice cube in Feb/March. Just to add some moisture back in as the weather warms up.

Thanks so much everyone. I really appreciate your kind comments. I-like-to-grow: Yes, I did make the hosta leaf stepping stones. Here is where I purchased the mold: http://www.moldcreations.com/Hosta-leaf-concrete-or-plaster-mold-1250-p/1250.htm I would love to create more beds in the back, but those very large trees you see are all maples. The hostas planted around the fence are all in spin-out bags. Those can be expensive....lol I wish I could just dig a hole wherever I wanted to plant one and stick it in the ground. I can on the side of the garage, but not in the back. Thanks again!

Great pics! Your yard looks really incredible, I see lots of nice new plants and old ones doing great too. Congrats on your book, I'll have to download it onto my kindle and take a look at it! The summer poinsettias look really cool! I've never seen them used in a landscape before like that, and I think it's an amazing look! How did you grow them to that size? Did you start them off as small plants or seeds? Thanks for sharing. Looks like another good summer in your yard! -Alex