You're right to worry about planting an Australian Tree Fern/Cyathea cooperi, as it will most definitely get too tall for your purposes. I'd suggest you get a slower growing tree fern, Dicksonia antarctica instead, which would take 15 years or more to get above the wall. Other very reliable shade growers would include Foxtail Asparagus, Asparagus densiflora 'Meyers', or the dwarf ground cover Heavenly Bamboo, Nandina domestica 'Harbour Dwarf'. Bergenia crassifolia would also thrive here, as would Clivia miniata. If you are willing to bait for snails, I personally love the look of Ligularia tussilaginea 'Aurea-maculata', which has cool succulent like round leaves spotted with gold, and bright yellow daisy flowers in late summer into early winter. Daphne odora 'marginata' is another variegated shrub with fragrant winter blooms that likes shade. Another yellow variegated plant that lights up a shady spot is the Variegated Shell Ginger, Alpinia zerumbet 'variegata', especially if you like a more tropical look. You could also use winter blooming Sasanqua camellias in this spot, quite a range of bloom colors, and they often start blooming in late October/early November. As well, various of the Abutilons, or Flowering Maples would thrive in this spot, and range from dwarf shrubby types to taller shrubs, and will bloom nearly year round here in the SF Bay Area. I'd suggest getting rid of the Fortnight Lily, which is a shy bloomer in less than full sun, and often looks rather messy with lots of dead leaves that accumulate over time, and are difficult to prune.

no.... you said DEEP DEEP SHADE .... but then you are growing GS .. i presume successfully.. including color... so i dont know if its as dark as you think.. as far as yellows.. all you can do is try them.. and if they tend toward green.. then its too dark... but it isnt going to kill them... just not color up ... the way you want... so if you have extra in the yellow/gold range ... then go for it... bragu says those noted by him.. grow in dark.. i dont know if his area is swampy like yours... you have TWO variables .. light level.. and damp ... how they play off each other.. its specific to your little slice of eden.. we can discuss it ad nauseum... but it will be for you to see how it works out ... go for it with your duplicates ... that is what they are for... unless you want to throw on on the driveway ... lol... ken

Not sure if you mean an all-in-one type unit, but if not take a look at the Kohler Mayflower tub. Its not too large and functions well as a shower. We tiled the walls behind and had doors made for it. The layout worked so well that we will be recreating it for one of the bathrooms in the house we will be building.

cyn: it is in perfect condition, I am glad of that. Funny story too, the owner had me wrap the shades for transport as he didn't want to take any chances, he said ,that I would open them and find one broken. He gave me 2 Victoria Secret bags and a ton of pink tissue paper LOL. It was so funny when I walked out of this little shop with these in my hands. I didn't ask him as I have no idea when I will get back there. oakley: thank you, it sure does fit the era. I love the curve in the top of the secretary, which was Mom's, with the curve of the light . neverending: thank you I am always looking for old things too...they are really better made for sure, in most cases. justgotta: I hadn't thought of that but when we looked closer at it I believe you are right. I sure would love to have seen the light flicker in those shades. vampire: I am not fond of big cities unless they offer something to relieve the "bigness" , the neighborhoods and cleanliness and the lake sure do make up for it. Mom and Dad would be so glad that we spent the time we were there driving for hours and looking up relatives and checking on the old homes where they grew and their parents grew up. val: thank you . I too am so glad that it all worked out. We were only 4 hrs from Chicago and took Hwy 6 all the way from Napoleon OH. It was a great drive and we stopped in Nappanee, where they used to make a great kitchen cabinet and had lunch and bought a wonderful apple pie at the Amish bakery.There is still a factory there that makes kitchen furniture but we couldn't get in. dlm: that is great ! The antique shop I went to is directly across from the El station that has the Dunken Donuts. You walk out and it is in the shade of the tracks across the street. Cool that you are going to Seattle too ! We will be there 5 days . I have never been so am very excited. cooper: we fly direct from Atlanta, non stop. Our DD keeps our truck while we are gone as parking fees are so bad at the airports these days...especially for 6 weeks. She will drop us and pick us up on our return. Yes those shades....I am in love with them. cat: you are a hoot! We will have to look for a treasure when I see you in December...my B'day present ") c