This one specifically, you could find it in any book on herb gardening. While I can't speak for Carol, I would assume her experience is similar to my own experience - a lifetime of interest in and learning about plants. The learning came from other people, education/classes, books, online sources, and more. The regulars in this forum would just know the comfrey plant you posted a picture of rather than look it up in a specific reference. FataMorgana

Two Possibilities: "Double Parfait" "Maggie Brown"

TBT..You have excellent taste in hydrangeas. Your planting location may make a difference in your choice. I have 2 Veitchiis and I love this plant because it thrives and blooms well in a mostly shady spot. The leaves are very dark and hardly ever mildew like the rest of my hydrangeas eventually do. I also have Lilacina and I'm sure it won't disappoint you either. It is a reliable heavy bloomer with a good deal of serrata tendencies...long thinner dark green leaves, also pretty mildew resistant. It can handle more sun than Veitchii but likes protection from too much sun. Lilacina will stay average sized 4 x 4 ish, whereas Veitchii can grow rather large..7 x 7 ish in time. I don't have Bluebird but I've read mixed (but mostly good) reviews. And just to add to your dilema, you might want to check out Blaumeise. A stunning lacecap with excellent color that can handle a good amount of sun, but a bit 'louder' than your other choices. To be honest, in your zone 7, you should be able to successfully grow whichever one suits your fancy...or maybe all three!!...yg PS...Just in case you are not already aware...Those blue fertile centers that you like so much, will only be blue if you have acidic soil. Otherwise, they will be purple or pink.

With the "privacy laws" lots has changed! And, lets not forget the ungrateful idiots that have wiped out their parents savings with POA's. That is what has caused so many changes. I am getting through all this and am very lucky my dad can still sign. Most of the money is in his name so I can get it out to pay mom's nursing home bills, but it has been a challenge! I now have it all worked out so should not have too many more hassles. Our investment guy told me today that I am not the only one complaining about the mountain of paperwork that needs to be done to take care of parents! LOL! Some thing our attorney adviced me to do also was to change the primary benificiary on my dad's IRA's. That way if, heaven forbid, some thing happens to him the remainder of the money will not go to the nursing home for my mom's care. Makes sense and that way I will have a few pennies to take care of my brother and his special wants. Oh, that is some thing else, we also have it set up in the will that when my parents are gone my brothers share will go in to a trust for him, therefore keeping it out of the hands of the nursing home.