But Winnie is a bear, HDD! ;-) Japie, here's some that have been out in full hot sun, so they're showing maximum color: Same plant in the shadehouse: I'm not convinced that this is not some kind of natural hybrid with spectabilis, just based on the bronzey tone and red fingernails. I mentioned that to Harry Luther and he kind of shrugged and said "It's possible". I don't know if he was just humoring me or what, but for now it's considered a johannis.

Sluice, the rocks are moved with a hand truck (dolly) and some muscle. Occasionally I'll use a 2X4 as a lever to get the heavier ones in place. I can handle rocks up to a little over 500 lbs. this way. Thanks Sprucebud and Gary. Sprucebud the Picea glauca 'Pendula' is definately one of my favorites even though its pretty common. I got this one 5 years ago at 4 feet and it now tops 12 without this years full growth. Keith you're right the Pinus aristata 'Blue Bear', Pinus edulis 'Trinidad' and 'Farmy', and Abies concolor 'Charming Chub' all came from High Country Gardens this year. That mini bed with the Acer palmatum 'Sharp's Pygmy' in it is new. I was debating about switching out the small rocks because I found some I like better but it will probably be a moot point in a year as the ground covers will have it mostly covered by then. Thanks. Hi Dave, Thanks for the nice comments. As far as new garden projects go. This past week I moved 2.75 tons of weathered limestone outcroppings and made a new island bed that I ended up using all Spruces in. I used all existing plants moved from other areas of the yard and added another Picea glauca 'Pendula'. Here's a pic that shows the type of rock I used. I'll try to get some more soon. Also moving a couple of plants freed up some additional space to add to that new mini conifer garden which I'm excited about because I still have an order coming from Bethlehem nursery. Thanks again!

Thank you Cecil and Herman. Herman, honestly, if it werent for folks like yourself, gorgi, and a few other locals who have helped me over the yrs with winterizing, pinching, rooting tips I wouldnt be here today so THANK YOU ALL! Funny that you mention my pop, as my son and I were feasting on some he came to mind and all I can wonder is how hard he must be laughing with all the excitement. The only thing that would of made the moment better was if he was in the kitchen with us making it 3 generations wide enjoying some figs. Here's a few more: My boy Link to more fig pics> http://fortisi876.jalbum.net/Backyard%20projects/Fig%20Crazy/index.html

Thanks so much, everyone! It's nice to see it coming together after nearly 5 years of it looking pretty yucky. We are tired, but we know if it weren't for the wedding (in 5 weeks!), we wouldn't be anywhere near where we are now on the progress. So we're thankful for the motivating factor! Karen