Real, actual beaches. Great seafood at the coast. It's been said but I'll say it again too: gardening all year, and some bloom every season of the year. I lived in Pennsylania for 3 years (where the roads are all to hell because of the constant freezing and thawing) and winter was a lot more restrictive up there than summer is down here. In Pennsylvania no one complained about Christmas lights being up all January; for one thing, the lights were rather cheery, and two, you'd break your neck on the ice trying to get them down. Chapel Hill. Carolina basketball.

I live in a beautiful 160-year-old home in historic Warrenton, NC, an hour north of Raleigh. It's a Greek Revival & Italianate southern antebellum home by renowned architect Jacob Holt. I cherish every inch inside and out! The grounds are covered with enormous oaks and pecans. I'm originally from northern Virginia/Maryland (DC, Stafford, Quantico). I lived most of my life in Havelock, NC and New Bern, NC. Spent alot of time at the beach. Then I moved to the city ~ Greensboro, NC for eight years. Great thread! Caroline

Lisa, you can rely on the info my friends have given you re: books, etc. They are well-read gardeners. I just want to put in a plug for North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service. Your son should acquaint himself with the Orange County office and also rely on the county horticultural agent and Master Gardener Volunteer Program there. This is a free program for county residents. Your son can call them for expert advice on home gardening in his new area whenever a question arises. MGV's and horticultural agents will also make housecalls if the situation demands. Yes, Niche Gardens is a wonderful, helpful place and lovely to look at. Also, Camellia Forest is in Chapel Hill when your son get a hankering of one of those gorgeous camellias john insists he have. peace, claire in sanford

Please join the fun on May 17th, 2pm. We are on the Web, www.CarolinaHosta.org Location: Plant Logic Nursery & Gardens 1644 Hwy. 62E, Julian, NC 27283 FROM GREENSBORO: Hwy 421 S, exit on Hwy 62. Right on Hwy 62. 3rd drive on the left. FROM CARY/APEX: Hwy 64 W to Hwy 421 N, exit on Hwy 62 toward Burlington/High Point. 3rd drive on the left. FROM CHAPEL HILL: US 15/501 to Hwy 64 W to Hwy 421 N, exit on Hwy 62 toward Burlington/High Point. 3rd drive on the left.