Believe it or not, there are afew Siberians in that area. If you look to the right of the very first picture you will see one blooming behind the daylilies and in front of the rock wall. I only have about 6 different Siberians in this garden area. The rest are in other areas of the garden. I had planted some out front last year, but this year added to it and planted even more. Its just that the so called clumps are so small (I am lucky if they are four fans) that they are difficult to notice.

I'd rather spend the time doing other yard work, and there's always something more urgent than breaking down yard waste. I toss all yard waste, including entire plants like sunflower stalks into one big pile, probably 5x5. For now, it's contained by a wall of concrete blocks, the garden fence and the compost digester. There's too much yard waste to fit in the bin, so I save that space for food waste layered with browns. The digester gives me enough material when I need it, so I'm in no rush for the yard waste to turn to compost. I've poked into it a couple of times, and stepped on it periodically to make room. The plan is to turn it next spring, and see what it looks like. It's been a good mix of browns and greens of different sizes, including small wood chips and lawn clippings, so I'm optimistic. Just like the digester, any pieces too big will be thrown back in the pile.

yep, I thought they were all Bird of Paradise and I thought it odd that the big plant had no blooms and teh little plants did. I had heard that it can take 4 years for a BOP to bloom, we are new to this house and the plants were already here, but the little ones dont look like they would be 4 yrs old. Then I noticed that the blooms did not have the blue that a Bird of Paradise should have, but was thinking maybe that is a mature part of the flower and I just have to give it time. Then I ran across something called a False Bird of Paradise, They look very similar to a BOP, but are smaller and don't get the blue part of the flower. I started to think maybe none of the plants were a real BOP, but I found a pic from last year and the big plant has the blue and also a real BOP has a thick green bottom petal. I that now that I know why the little plants are in bloom, but the big plant is not is b/c a real BOP just does not bloom until later in the year. These are all outdoor in the ground plants, not in a pot so when I was weeding the flower bed and chopped a bunch of roots... I hope I did not hurt the real BOP plant and that is why it's not blooming.... crossing my fingers it is ok and just been some more time.

Step by step instructions for removing large bird of paradise. Tools needed: pic-axe, chain saw, recipical saw (with longest blades you can get), spade shovel with strong handle, 4' 4x4 pressure treated post, come-along, 1' of heavy duty metal chain with stong "S" link for connecting chain ends together. Instructions: Step#1. Use chain saw to cut plant stems down to about a foot above the ground. Step#2. Dig around and under root ball of plant as much as possible. Step#3. Starting on an outer side of the plant that has at least a 5 feet of clearance; cut down and around a section of the plant / root ball (not too big about 1') with reciprocal saw. Step#4. Put the 4x4 post down in the ground about 4' from plant section in step#3 with a slight angle away from the plant leave about 1' above ground and pack dirt tightly. Step#5. Put chain around exposed 4x4 post, wrap section of plant to be removed with cable end of come-along, connect other end of come-along to chain and ratchet come-along to put pressure on plant section to be removed. Step#6, pic-axe to seperate root ball section or maybe use shovel; add come-along pressure as needed. Use care when working with come-along cable under tension. I used this method yestetday and its working good for me, I'm about a fouth of the way done. My back is sore, for these plants are hard a heck to remove; just know your limitations and be safe. Also try not to cut into the dirt with chain saw, it will dull the chain, but for the cost of a chain verses a chiropractor and pain, I'm using chain saw down deep. Hope this helps Eddie K. Palm Bay, Fl.