I planted Rehmannia elata in deep summer shade under the apricot tree about 5 years ago. It has spread right across. The only thing stopping it are the japanese anemones, which are just as vigorous themselves. I have moved a few into all day sun, where they also seem happy. I would love to try an iochroma too, but it would mean ousting something else which is doing well in shade. Perhaps if something dies, I could try it then. I don't really have a diva amongst the herbaceous plants, although Nepeta tuberosa seems to be a bit short lived here. It leaves a few seedlings behind when it kicks the bucket though, so I always have it, even if it is not where I want it to be. The little sub-shrub Convolvulus cneorum is surprising too. It too is very short lived in my garden. Luckily, it is easy from cuttings. Daisy Rehmannia elata ...and with Lychnis coronaria and rose William Shakespeare 2000. Nepeta tuberosa.

I moved into my current house three years ago. The previous owner had one Mock orange in the front. Three HUGE junipers, and the rest rock. Well, we worked on one half of the yard and made it all into a flower garden. My hubby liked it so much, he said I could do the same to the other side. When we started to pull out the huge junipers, we had several neighbors ask if we were going to put grass on that side. When I said no, that it would be all flowers, trees and shrubs, they looked at me like I was crazy. Some even said the silly nonsense, "too much work!!" and "won't that take too much water?" Three years later, these same neighbors come to me for advice, look through the gardens to see what's coming up at certain times, and then ask me for the names of the plants. I received my best compliment earlier this week, actually. We have a home daycare that is caddy corner to our house across the street. The guy that drops off and picks up his child walked over to me when I was pulling weeds and said how gorgeous everything looked and how it was an inspiration to rip out some of the sod and plant flowers in his own yard. How he and is wife loved to drive by it everyday to see new things blooming. This absolutely made all of the hard work the past three years worth it. I'm hoping this year is the year that it leaps and I can get the satisfaction from looking at it myself. Ha!

I have killed a Harry Lauder's Walking Stick! I love weird plants. I have something called a Caterpillar Plant, don't know if it will grow in your zone. Dranunculus is another strange and stinky plant. Sea Holly is cool, and I like rattlesnake grass and bunnytail grass too. Pregnant Onion is another oddity.

Hi Ya'll, It's here! The swap is tommorrow! Woopee! I'll bet everyone will have more fun than a centipede at a foot tickling party! LLLOL! jclepine: I had asked for some pineapple mint & a poppy.If you can't get the poppy may I have some cherry bells? If you have enough I'll share some with a friend of mine. I'll be happy with any plants I can get. b2alicia: thanks.The more I keep up with these swaps the better I'll learn the "lingo" LOL. I have a small strawberry pot. It only has 2-3 side holes. I'll bring it with me so U can see it. Would anyone like some of those grayish egg cartons(the 18 count type)that come from walmart? I'll bring some with me.("will trade for fresh eggs"? 3-4 empty for 1 w/eggs?? Yeah right! LOL lattefairy:yeah for the mint & tansey! thanks! billie_ladybug: wow! you must have a big truck to be able to bring all of that stuff. I have my bins loaded for the manure & plenty of room for the pots. If you need help unloading your stuff I'll be glad to help. kvenkat:May I put dibs on a yellow eve primrose,persian spining primrose, morning glory/star yelta,& an apricot daisy? I think I left you off of my wish list. If I asked you this before just disreguard this. catnohat:WOW! I can't wait to see all my plants! Thanks! Well I better stop so I can get up early & head for the swap. I will be bringing: juice,pimento cheese,crackers,a cheese dip,chips & plates. I have several boxes I will bring to share if anyone needs one. Thats it(I think) goodnight all. See you in the AM ! %):>