Thank you for the reply Manda. I got proactive yesterday after hitting rock bottom. I was able to reach over the hog wire since its so thin and I pulled up every stick, log and branch. It felt good. Really Good. He "caught" me in the act and I confronted him, mentioning codes, branches from a 2 year old ice storm, not mowing, rats and other rodents and that this fence solution would not fly and he had to do something because I am going to call the city. We had already politely suggested people who worked cheap and ideas on four occasions so I feel he has had every chance. It will take me probably 3 city pickups to get rid of what I pulled out yesterday but it was a great way to work out my anger. I found out the fine for the stagnant pond is $1000. The cut branches were listed as a violation but I don't think they fine you for that. Stagnant water--serious business. They make 3 visits, a warning, a second to see if it in compliance and then a third to clean it up and bill the person. Each visit is charged $200 unless you do something. I feel better. One way or another the party is over. No more molly coddleing.

Did yours make it through a winter just fine without any extra protection, Jolana? When I first saw them, I didn't think it would survive for me out here in Spicewood. We carry a few things that are actually tender perennials but will likely be hardy inside Austin due to the heat island effect, so I thought that was one of those. Now that I know better I plan to get one as soon as we get more in. I hope it's as easy to start from cuttings as many have said on the pages I've read about it since I know a lot of people who will want one once they see it in my yard! Here's another unusual justicia we get sometimes: White Shrimp Plant. I have the yellow one that has the upright blooms of clear yellow (not the floppy one that's kind of greenish yellow) and it's doing great! I love that thing. Can't wait to get one of the white ones.

Robert, send me an email sometime in January or February. I will be glad to send you some scion wood. In addition to Mintle, I have Sparrow and Surprise. I've also got some more, but they were just grafted last year and may not be big enough to harvest scion wood from yet. No heartnuts. My email is hubbard appraisal @ g mail.com (remove the spaces).

The built-in planter is too narrow for anything but groundcover/annuals. At the corner, I'd add a small tree and circular bed below, in front of the built-in planter, leaving it in place but more or less ignoring it. The bed would also extend in front of the side of house running toward the back yard. If there is not some good looking lawn substitute that is easy to grow, I have no suggestions for the lawn other than what others have recommended insofar as more water. Editing because I forgot to mention ... if you need the yard light, change it to a taller post 10' or more, & upgrade the unit to something better looking. Also, add a beefier masonry cap to the pier. Alternatively, add the beefier cap and change the light to a pathlight (aims down toward the drive, lighting the path but where you don't see the light source ... just the effect.)