Well, I think that happens to everyone pretty much, unless they're retired or something. I know that this summer, I've neglected my garden a LOT compared to last year, because I've been doing major home improvement projects that I neglected for a couple of years to do my garden. You just take the good with the bad, and realize that NEXT YEAR will come fast. Six months ago, it was snowing here and I was just starting to sow peppers, etc., indoors under lights. It practically seems like yesterday. Now, those things are bearing, frost will be here soon, then the holidays, then it will be time to start again. The cycle of the seasons. Most species of berries don't self-sow all that much from what I've found. Black raspberries, mulberries, and shadberries can be bad. The rest not so much.

You're all wonderful, ten times over! Melissa, boxwoods are a no (they're all over the place here). I did plant some 'Soft Touch' Ilex Compacta, desperately hoping my neutral pH won't kill them. I think they'll be like 3x3 balls of tiny leaves if they survive. The others you mention (rosemary & lavender) get so big here - not enough room, but definitely good suggestions. "1) the garden won't break; and 2) the gardener will have periods where gardening just doesn't have any appeal, but enthusiasm will return the first warm and sunny day." Excellent words! I planted some things today. Two double salmon hibiscus 'Jane Cowel' along the white fence near Anna Olivier & Perle d'Or even though they will get HUGE (hack, hack), a strawflower, two Marguerites - rose and yellow, some glad bulbs. None of which will add to the winter garden. :(( I fed the front and got about have of it composted. Just putting the dark compost down makes everything look better. Budeyes are swelling all over the place. Thank you, Gean my friend, you're always so positive - except for the hurricane part. lol That's such a big no-no here. Our insurance rates go up if you even whisper it - or the company drops you. :(( But you're so encouraging. Ingrid, I like reading your lists of excellent plants. I dearly wanted two 'Sky Pencil' Japanese Hollies, but I can't get my pH low enough in a million years. If these Soft Touches work, I'll be getting more of them. They're not unlike box except a deeper green & denser. You know, when I had my rosemary, it never bloomed, and I had it for a year and a half before it died. One day you'll have to gently ask your plants if they like 60% humidity and torrential downpours a couple of times a week. If they say yes, let me know! holleygarden, do you have Hermosa? Run go check it out if you do. Mine are loaded with buds, just starting to show dark pink/red. I have buds scattered around on other roses. It was a wonderful day - maybe 70. Cool enough to have long sleeves on and pants. A neighbor came to visit my next-door neighbor while I was out there. She told me I have a beautiful garden. I thanked her very much, but why do I want to argue with her? It occurs to me that others don't think it's as bad as I do - even the sticks, probably. And I guess they know what time of year it is. Thank you everyone. I feel much better for all your kind words. Sherry

I'm in zone 4 but I'll toss out an answer anyway.... In addition to watering, waiting for the weather to cool down, and harvesting veggies, I am also taking a lot of notes about things to change/add/move for next year. The garden is in a bit of a freeze-frame right now, so it's a good time for evaluation. It's not wise to make changes right now, but it is a good idea to plan them. I am also thumbing the pages of my bulb catalogs, having a lovely time hemming and hawing over what to get. :) I'm also standing by to promptly deadhead globe thistle, which is going to seed itself all over town in another week or so. Oh, and I'm ramping up our armory against the deer. Alllll the fawns have arrived and they are having a delightful time romping through the gardens. They have already defeated deer spray and netting, so I'm redoubling that in the sensitive areas (lettuce and peppers). They are doing a fine job in eating crabapples, which works out well for everyone. Kevin, do you make pickles? I have ONE cucumber set to harvest and that's it so far. Pathetic! I had to BUY pickles for cryin' out loud!

I have too many young-uns! So ask again next winter. -Guacamole -Serendipiry -Old Glory -August Moon -Sagae -I have a solid green NOID that I just think is wonderful. It was wrongly ID'd as Invincible at the nursery. It has similar qualities but no way is it near identical. It forms a beautifully dense mound almosst 6 feet across, has around 4 to 4 1/2 feet long arching scapes and is slug-proof. For a solid green with no puckering or wavy edges or such, it must be good to make this list. lol Les