I have a current question, I bought numerous different citrus trees to grow in containers this year. All but the finger lime and the yuzu have at least flowered so far this spring and summer. Do finger limes take longer than average to mature? It is about 3 feet tall and has a decent canopy so I would have expected some flowers at least. Thanks in advance!

Let me re-phrase that. Your only hope is in a pot unless you are willing to protect the trees from freezes. See my website for a good example of protecting. Cover with heater works. Lime has no chance as it can't take any freezing temperatures. I'd suggest the standard mexican lime. The thornless variety doesn't bear as well. Meyer lemon can take maybe 24F depending on how many cold days before the freeze. Other lemons are less cold hardy. One day at 80F and the next at 24F will kill citrus trees. Also, beware limestone soils as citrus like a neutral to slightly acidic soil. A raised bed would be a good bet. You are in zone 8a with minimum winter temperatures of 15-20F or so. I have experienced 5F in Waco not far from you. Here is a link that might be useful: mrtexas

Sandy, we are surrounded by 75 foot pine, oak and maples. We had looked into solar since our house is perfectly oriented south but would have had to remove about 10-15 trees at $2500 a piece. Beyond our modest pocketbooks and worse it would leave no money for roses!! My shade gardens are mostly hydrangeas, especially an old lacecap that flowers in about 2 1/2 hours of early morning sun, Rhodis, astilbes, hostas, hostas, hostas, holly, a beautiful pink laurel bought this spring and other shade loving perennials. The sunniest areas are roses on top of roses(no three to four feet of space between) with fillers scattered throughout. My best roses for these areas are these DA's: Windermere, Queen of Sweden, Desdemona, Olivia, Heritage, Teasing Georgia, The Generous Gardener, Darcy Bussells, Boscabel and Gentle Hermione. Kordes include Summer Romance, Honeymoon, Cream and Lavender Veranda, Polar Express, Summer Memories and Zaide and a scattering of others including Julia Child, Knockouts and Bolero, which is far too tender here but I still love her. I have a Boscabel and Gentle Hermione in probably 4 hours of sun planted practically in sub soil and they're still putting out some buds even though they are extremely neglected so Austins tend to do well in not ideal conditions. It's definitely trial and error, seemingly more error than anything else but when you hit on the right rose that will flower in these conditions... heaven! Sharon

If you mean conifers specifically, I'd try the conifers forum. If you mean broadleaved evergreens as well, carry on! "underground sprinklers go off once a day" Just be aware that this may not be sufficient especially during the establishment period. They'll need a good deep soaking that you verify by digging down a bit with your fingers. Newly installed plants often fail because of compacted root balls that virtually repel water. Combined with improper planting that fails to open up the roots is a good recipe for failure. Then once they are established once a day is too often- not even sure why once a day was selected to begin with- surely you can reprogram that?