I've always liked Moonlit Masquerade, the blooms are almost always nice here. Maybe it likes the extra heat. Mine isn't blooming yet, seems odd that mine would be later than yours. Then you said it is warmer than usual there, & we've had a much cooler than norm spring. My peonies have lasted much longer than usual, a couple still have blooms on them. I've really enjoyed my peonies this year, I think our extra cold winter must have been to their liking, then our cool spring has made them last so much longer. You have some beautiful peonies, Angel Cheeks & Showgirl are especially pretty. The summer foliage is nasty, but so worth it.

Gee.....it's been so long since I had any mangoes that would be considered "extra" that I forget what I do with them. No, seriously, I have had bumper crops over the years. I have lots of people (family and friends) to feed; I have a small, honor system fruit stand in front of my house; there are many local customers that come by and buy in quantity and I do lots of dehydration of the extra fruit to last for when there are no mangoes. I was intending to start doing some shipping last season to folks on the Forum, but Mother Nature saw to it that that didn't happen. I would consider sending out fruits this year again, if there are any to send.....but I have come to realize that it is a pretty big pain in the butt to have to do all that packing and shipping.....just based on my limited shipping of fruit this past year. I do still invite anyone in the area to stop by to sample mangoes or lychees available and to buy what they wish based on what is available. I had started a list last year of those interested in perhaps getting mangoes shipped. I still have the list somewhere and I'll be happy to add anyone interested to that list in case I do have fruit available and the time for shipping it. BTW, mangoes usually begin ripening in early May......Rosigold, possibly in March or April....but the bulk of the crop really doesn't start until end of May/ early June and runs through end of August or early Spetember. There are fruits available into October but you have to fight the damned critters for the late season mangoes as they really focus on the few trees that still have fruit on them. Harry

My oh my - totally jealous! The iris and roses blooming together are just too beautiful! Still waiting here ... Sharlene

Moonlit Masquerade is one I may be getting this year. Love it each time I see it. I also am a fan of clematis. Some years back I bought a purple Jackmanii which subsequently got moved, and then moved again when there was a garden mishap. I kept thinking it was gone for good, and then saw it still alive hidden in the grass! Now it is in my patio garden, and having survived the past horrible winter, it is putting on new growth and looking happy. Home at last! :)