I planted about 100 heritage raspberries 6 years ago. They are always very small and crumbly, no matter how much compost and hay I put on them. Never had a decent crop ever, and the soil isn't bad. They aren't worth harvesting because the berries are so crappy. I've also gotten white 'bits' on mine this year, not sure why the loss of pigment however. I'm tempted to have my hubs just mow them all down, since the only thing growing well there are the weeds! On the upside, some 'wineberries' that showed up gave me a nice crop this year! And, they are red, though they also had some white spots of non pigment this year, but it was mostly the later berries. I don't think it's got anything to do with sun exposure or sunburn.

If you're restricted to not using any pressure treated or composite materials I would recommend that you go with cedar, cypress, or redwood...depending on what is readily available in your area. If you go with something like pine, fir, oak, etc then you are going to have rot issues on a frequent basis. Painting on all six sides with a good quality paint will make a difference in the speed of the rot, but exposure to wet conditions will rot them over time anyway. The paint, as long as it is intact will help shed water. Are your restrictions regarding pressure treated and composite related to the HOA?

I love this rose! The winter blooms are amazing right! It is the only rose i have that blooms year round. It is never without a bloom. And the fragrance is mild but totally intoxicating.

Debra: Here is the second opening of DV. Looks much better as out temps stayed slightly higher overnight. Photos taken at around 9:00am. As you can see another bud will open most likely tomorrow but we have storms coming in later today and already the winds have picked up already. With the heat returning over the next several days I'm sure i'll see differences. Julia