My sense of smell is very sensitive, and I can tell you that my Calycanthus has no fragrance at all, regardless of the humidity level. My shrub is mature -- maybe 8ft high now -- and each year I sniff and sniff at those blooms hoping for a whiff of what everyone says is heavenly. But each year, alas, nothing. I still love it though -- the blooms are cool as hell, and the foliage is always crisp and clean.

Sun petal, I think I've seen Hartlage Wine (non-fragrant variety) at the Armstrong in Claremont. You would probably have to get them to special order the variety you want from Monrovia though. Also they may be able to get the fairy magnolia too. Just make sure their Monrovia reference is up to date.

A few months ago, I ordered Hartlage Wine and Venus from an online company that starts with the letter H that has had a lot of negative feedback. The plants I received were very scrawny. I feel that the weak plants they sent added with the stress of transit is what led them to their demise when I received them. They ultimately died. I wouldn't reccomend ordering from them. I just placed an order from Almost Eden for Venus. Will post a picture of what I get. Although I am not so worried since they have rave reviews.

Partial shade - right up my alley. My entire back yard is in partial shade, surrounded by old trees on the east and west, and a few on the south. It faces south, but with all the trees, there is little direct sun at any period during the day. I agree with Buford - use pots - lots of pots. You will be glad you did when it comes movin' time. Is Charleston close to Raleigh? One of the greatest nurseries is in Raleigh - Plant Delights. Check them out on the web at www.plantdelights.com. You won't be able to grow a few of the plants that you grew in Wisconsin and North Dakota, like lupines, astrantia, delphiniums, and the like. You can grow epimediums, hellebores, oakleaf hydrangea, itea virginica 'Little Henry', calycanthus (sweetshrub), hostas, astilbes, campanulas, asiatic, oriental, and orienpet lilies, ferns (suited to your climate - I think it's zone 7), azaleas, rhododendrons, other hydrangeas (try Endless Summer that blooms on both old and new wood, and you won't have to worry about when to prune it); porcelain vine (ampelopsis brevipedunculata), coneflowers, northern sea oats, heucheras, tiarellas and the new heucarellas, clematis (many varieties are suited to partial shade), meadow rue (try Illuminator, with powdery blue foliage), hardy begonia (evansiana), Japanese Maples, columbines. The choices are endless. A lot of people think shade gardening is boring, but it's really not! I hope you enjoy your garden and your "totable" plants! Susan