I've always had dogs - big ones who need a lot of room and tend to trample plants - so I've always been a front yard gardener. This is our second house (bought it three years ago), and we have more sun in this backyard, as well as more room for the boys (dogs) to run, so now I'm gardening in the back too! I love it - I've never had an attractive backyard before. :) I don't actively discourage the boys from going in the beds, but for some reason they tend to step around the plants. Well, unless they're chasing a squirrel, and then their manners go out the window... I'm going for an Asian garden look in the backyard. Several Cryptomeria and Japanese Maples, Heucheras, ornamental grasses and, although not really Asian per se, a collection of thornless and climbing roses. I'm not sure the front really has a particular style. I'm trying now to work in more year-round interest into all the gardens. I have a fall color garden with Beautyberries, Limelight Hydrangea, yellow and red twig Dogwoods (for winter interest), Fothergilla, etc. Last fall I interplanted the shrubs in that bed with about 12 varieties of Daffodils. It looked great this spring! On one side of the house I have a white garden. In front of our sidewalk I have a perennial garden outside the front door. I really seeing flowers out the front door. Another thing I've been trying to do in this house is pay attention to views out windows. We have a lot of opportunities to plant outside our windows, so that's something I'm really enjoying. I often place shrubs or trees, then go inside to see how it looks from there before planting.

I love these! Thanks for the pictures. I have been wanting this one, and Mango meadowbright, since I saw them at the MN Arboreteum, I think 2 years ago, although it might have been last year. No one around me carries them! I will have to see about getting some next spring. I think these would look great in a bed I have with some heliopsis, liatris, rudbeckia and maltese cross. All which are either blooming now, or will be soon. Jenny P

#5-The leaves don't look big enough for S&S.by comparing them to the Lily of the Valley leaves and edgers (4" wide).. I am thinking plantaginea by its color, size and leaf shape. Ken just has posted in another location that he responds better when only 2-3 NOIDs are posted at a time. I agree. You might find reposting with only a few at a time gets better response. I found scrolling up and down so often becomes tedious. the ID as Undulata Medio- is spot on I think. The one suggested to be Francee could be-mine has that scattered eye growth pattern yours shows. And of course leaf shape and coloration is right. Another suggestion is to either give dimensions or lay a 6" ruler on the ground when taking the pictures. Lets say you pick the 2 you would most like to ID and you post 2 pictures of each, one of the mound and the other a close-up of a leaf where veins can be seen.. In one there is a ruler or ball point pen for size comparison. That is only 4 to scroll and gives our peeps here a lot of good information. Theresa

My favorite cattleya to date. Yours is stunning. Culture discussion for GK bloomer wannabees over on discussion page. Would love to have your input. See thread entitled "Question for Jane". John :>)