Well, I don't really care for conifers. I have 2 boxwoods (as seen in the picture) that I only keep for winter interest. I thought about a Rhododendron, as it is one of the few evergreen plants that I truly love. Really, when I garden, it's all about me, me, me. :) Of course I don't want to do something that will send the neighbors packing, but to answer the question, yep--it's really for me. :) I do want something that I can enjoy from the porch, and I get a full view of this from my living room picture window (at all times--we have 2 leaded glass panels on either side of the main window that do not have window treatments, so we can always see the front yard and we don't cover our pretty glass). Yes, we can also look down on it, but chances are we really won't, since the bedroom blinds are nearly always closed. So yeah, I probably need something for winter interest, but I am terrible at giving thought to winter and not much a fan of anything with pine needles. My mom had some pretty hollies, but don't those genreally have to be planted in m/f groups to grow berries? Would a holly look stupid in front of my house? I prefer the rhodie idea, as I think those are more fitting for my home (b. 1912, arts and crafts influence), but is there too much sun is the question I have to deliberate now. Thanks for all the input, everyone. This is my second house, and I learned a lot from my screw ups with the landscape of my first house, but this house is much "cooler" and I am being a lot more careful this time.

I'm incredibly late on this topic, but here's my take: I'm in my second year growing this rose in a pot, and it's probably the most eye catching rose I have. The deep bright gold contrasts the darker green foliage and red new growth beautifully. I pruned mine back pretty hard this year and it's just now blooming. It's got a small problem with blackspot and I've had to remove a lot of the foliage from the bottom of the rose, but up top it's filling out nicely. The fragrance is my biggest disappointment because I try to only grow roses with a fragrance. The advertised fragrance is a big reason I purchased this rose, yet I can't smell anything from any of the blossoms. I don't know why that is. Maybe it needs more time? Other than that, I love everything about this rose! As a side note, I grew the sport of this rose, Ch-Ching last year and all of those blossoms had a strong fragrance. Both are growing on Dr. Huey.

Sure you don't want another boy Sharon? Jack is still looking for a home and his dad is beating on him and he is soooo cute and cuddly and he is a great watch dog and he LOVES to romp in the country and, and, and........... Did I mention he is black and white? Such handsome furkids! I can never resist an opportunity to talk about pets! I have five shelties and all of them are black and white in some way or another. Jack, however, must go to a forever home since his dad will never allow another male on HIS property! Jack is only six months old but that is the age of consent as far as his dad is concerned! Time to move out! If anyone is interested send me an email Always so proud to be the centre of someones univers even if it is my dog's! Keep the pics coming! Ginny

Plumerias have shallow roots that will rot if kept soggy, but they DO get thirsty -during growing season. I keep my plumies outdoors in warm weather...I water them thoroughly about once a week when I water my other plants (remember, outdoor potted plants dry out faster than those planted in the ground). Just be sure that your pots have good drainage. Naturally, the pot size is also a factor, if the pot is very large (deep) for the size of your plant, the soil takes longer to dry out thoroughly (even if the surface looks dry, it may be soggy at the base). When I plant new cuttings I soak them good upon planting and then water again in about a month - sooner if the soil is very dry. With this method, my cuttings have grown roots within about three weeks.... Because of their tender roots, a light soil is best. Karen's soil mixture sounds good...I may try hers next time. I've had good results with 2/3 potting soil 1/3 perlite mix. I often place small rocks/marbles on top of the soil to help keep the stem stable until it can develop an established rootball -especially when rooting cuttings-I think the rocks/marbles may also help keep the soil warm as well.... Don't forget when feeding, that plumies-like most evergreen plants- enjoy acid fertilizer (about 4-10-10). I also live in Texas -zone 8. I'm in the Piney Woods of NE Texas...depending on your territory, our weather may be similar (then again, this IS Texas where the weather can get strange LOL)... I keep my Plumies on the west side of my yard where they recieve maximum sunlight.... Good Luck!