Hi Melissa -- did you ever get that email I sent you about digging a swale to capture rainwater on a hillside? I'm working on a similar project (slowly) and thought of you. Fundamentally I agree with you. It's best to grow plants that want to grow in the conditions you can offer them. I have a couple exceptions. You mentioned blueberries. I just adore blueberries. If you stick to the newer southern highbush varieties such as Misty, Oneal, and Sunshine Blue you may have better luck. Sunshine Blue in particular is said to be a little more tolerant of higher pH. Try a raised bed filled with compost, wood chip, and peat as a growing medium. I'm experimenting with the same mixture, some soil and sulfur added, dug as a trench in the ground. It is too soon to tell, but so far all but one of my blueberries are growing well and not chlorotic. I did lose one, but think that I lost it to hot dry weather when I was away. They do need water. I don't begrudge it to food plants. My other exception is that I planted a couple of avocado trees because Tom loves them so much. I'm not convinced that I'm going to be able to make them happy, but we're giving it a try. After killing about two dozen rhododendrons, I've given up on them. I have two left. One under the redwood trees actually looks reasonably happy. The other, alas, is on its way out. I do so love rhododendrons. At least I have roses! And apples. And plums, and figs, and citrus. Really, so much does well here that it is silly to sigh for the few plants that won't thrive for me. It means that when I go garden visiting and see favorite plants I cannot grow well, I have the special thrill that comes from seeing the less accustomed beauty. Rosefolly

Thanks so much, pudge! I appreciate the information and will see whether I have a spot for it, or whether I should leave it in the pot to overwinter. My problem is that all of the areas by the foundation are south facing - though it's very sunny, there is hardly any snow cover during winter so it may not be the best spot for borderline plants. Let me think about that more. Thanks again!

I went to college in New Orleans. It was a horribly long, depressing, and expensive experience. There were many times when I was at the end of my rope. Honestly, I don't think I would still be alive, if the sight and fragrance of Crape Myrtles hadn't occasionally reassured me. So yeah, I can see why you want one. I have my desk positioned so that I can look out at my own beautiful CM. It's at least forty years old, and twenty feet tall, with a beautiful, unmolested, mature shape: very much a tree from the Jungles of India. The blooms are a rich orchid/violet color, and are at their peak right now. And yes, the tree continually tells me that everything will be all right. To grow one in New Hampshire, you will need: .A hardy variety .A sun trap (preferably a SE exposure beside your house) .Seriously deep mulch in winter Or: a miniature variety in a pot

i would give a recent transplant at least a year ... to become established .. before i would start cutting off energy making machines .. otherwise known as leaves ... it needs all those leaves to row the roots.. to become established ... in the meantime.. it will start taking on a better shape on its own.. which will make future pruning easier.. as you will be able to see where its going ... a more natural shape .. part of what is probably bugging you.. is that its shape was dictated by the grower .... for ease of shipping.. etc ... patience ... ken