Hey gg, long time no talk :-) The bed is fairly narrow (18" +/-)but they can grow through the fence on the backside (2x2x6' vertical cedar on 4" centers)and grow out over the curbing on the lawn. I'm OK with an overhang as long as I can get the mower by down low. It is probably a bit narrow for them but I figured that I could do some selective pruning to keep them in line. The bed is about 24' long. I was thinking the "fluff and aloofness" of the lavatera and the mint would be a nice counterbalance to the flat climbers behind and between. Besides, the rest of the front yard was getting too formal and serious for a happy go lucky guy like me. I've got a Darlow's Enigma coming for one spot and have a number of clematis ranging from dark blue to red to white called out for the other spaces. I have 8 of these 6' fence sections built now in this run and this 24' section is kind of in the middle. I agree that maybe I won't feed the lavateras unless they tell me otherwise and just feed the mint like all the rest of my perennials. While I've got you though, I'm still struggling with what to circle that fountain with. The pool is a 3 block high stackstone circle with about a 9' diameter. I'm wanting a long blooming mixed color blast with max height about 8-12". The last thing I've been considering is portulaca. This will get a little bit of oversplash but not a huge amount. Any suggestions? This is right across from the section with the lavateras. The lawn between is a small kidney shape that wraps around the backside of the fountain pool. This little bed is about 18" all the way around the fountain.

I would love to have a Black Magic, Ink Spots, or Black Jade rose bush. I am also looking for a Blue Moon rose bush. If anyone out there has any of these please contact me at dragonflygirl99@yahoo.com Thanks Beth

Hi Giacamo, those little green citrus sound like the 'calamansi' here in the Philippines. They are picked small and green, but if left on the tree they will go yellow inside, and eventually the skin will go orange - but Filipinos prefer most of their fruits under-ripened, or totally green! I've not been to Cambodia, but have been to Thailand a few times, and the climate here is very much the same. Minimum temperature I've experienced here was +24 C, and it felt really cold!! We do have lemon trees that grow here, but nobody knows what variety they are. I'll be buying one when I come back from Australia in February or March. I'd be happy to send you a few cuttings if your are up to grafting? Or some seeds, but there is a great risk they won't fruit to type, and you'll have to wait several years for them to bear fruit. As others have commented, for rootstock use local species grown from seed. e.g. Kaffir Lime. Seedlings of local species are the best in my opinion.

What a great combination! Your gardens are so beautiful and your roses look so healthy and happy! I can't wait to check out your blog! Thanks for sharing!