Yeah I live in Sydney around the same area as the Granny Smith apple originated. Not sure about what American zone our climate compares to I figured it was maybe a zone 9? Similar to some of the costal areas of California? San Francisco maybe? Regardless I went ahead and planted a range of apples modern, heritage, "low chill" English, American, French, Japanese, etc. I have about 34 different varieties at the moment. I have no idea what will work but I figure some will work and some wont. I can remove the ones that don't and graft on different types. It's fun. I based my original list of apples off the kuffle creek apple list and added some other that sounded interesting. I have the feeling that the guy from kuffle creek is on these forums but I might be wrong. I think that as long as you keep in mind that growing apples in our climate is a bit of an experiment and that they might not all work you might as well have a crack at it. That being said i would be confident that Anna and Dorset Golden will grow and fruit on the central coast. Good luck J Here is a link that might be useful: Kuffle creek apple list

Wow Jeanne! I love these pictures of your tree...its Magnificent with the blue lights and all the Lovely Angels. I mentioned in another post to you how I enjoy seeing Mr & Mrs Claus....as a Holiday Tradition here! Love their 'Group of Friends' too. TFS jane

Sharon, GW has a wonderful Christmas and Holiday forum. The people there are full of great ideas. Come on over and play! Here's the link. Here is a link that might be useful: Christmas and Holiday Forum

MM, yes I am rather partial to the Miners, they seem to be everywhere at the moment. Below is a couple of photos of the Heron chicks, not very good photos as I had to crop them a fair bit. I think they will be flying soon, I saw them testing their wings today. I should ahve pointed out that the flowers on the Christmas bush were taken some weeks apart. They start out with tiny white flowers and then the sepals turn red. Bev: There's nothing quite like the sound of birds in your own garden is there? Alison: We used to pick them for Christmas decorations too. I know what you mean about the concrete etc, I returned to my old home a couple of years ago, sort of wish I hadn't as all the bush was gone and the creeks filled in and houses built where they once were and where I spent many happy hours as a child.