It will never be much of a climber here in zone 4 because it dies back to almost the ground each winter. It also isn't terribly healthy if you don't spray. I keep threatening to get rid of it every spring when I have to prune it down to a couple of inches of live cane, and at the end of the summer when its leaves are blackspot-ridden. But the deep purple color is amazing, so it is still in my garden. I have moved it a couple of times, hoping a new site will encourage better health, but it just doesn't amount to much. I do so love the intensity of the purple blooms, which in my soil are so dark they approach black-purple. (I have seen it grown elsewhere and the blooms were reddish-purple). I'm hoping 2010 will be its redeeming season because I've already given it 5 years....(yes, I am a 'softie' who hates to shovel-prune). Celeste

Much as I am amused by the variety of butteflies staying up past their bedtime I must say there are far larger numbers of predators that come out at night and are drawn to the light in search of food...green anoles, geckos and all kinds of cinch and assassin bugs. I found wings from a Giant Swallowtail about ten feet from where this light is braced. Although it's been several days I am assuming they were from the same butterfly as I've not noticed any other GSTs flying around the front walkway. ~ Cat ps...I also saw a brown Long Tailed Skipper around 5:00 am on Saturday. That's another crazy butterfly I can add to the wanna be moth club.

Hi Gail, This week, on a small island in the middle of the St-Lawrence river, 30 miles north of Quec city, two birders count 67 Great gray Owls. I do think it is an all time record for the province. So many GGO in such a small territory( about 2 miles width and 3 long) Luc

Boy, I can relate to all of these posts. I have RP in my open floor plan. On the walls that have natural light, it looks OK (not my favorite) but the adjoining family room with the screened porch next to it blocking the light, the walls look like green/yellow mud and I am stressing as to what to do. My trim & cabinets are off-white so i have to stay with the warm greys. I've even tried Sea Salt which looks dull. I'm going for an LRV of 65+ so I'm trying the sample board with the Repose Gray at 75% with the idea of the adjoining kitchen/nook at 100%. We will see. Next I'll try the Gray Owl - OC 52 i think. Beware.......there are two Gray Owls! The Oc 52 is the lighter version. To complicate matters, I have a beautiful silver gray sectional sofa that I'm working with. I appreciate all of the posts here.