Thank you for your valuable input, Rhizo. After reading your post, I reread about neem use against psyllids. "Results have generally been poor against whiteflies, pepper maggots, and psyllids." (Source: www.nysaes.cornell.edu/pp/resourceguide/mfs/08neem.php) Another, albeit specifically mentioning tomato/potato psyllids (not sure if its the same psyllid): "Soap spray results have been disappointing and neem has not worked." (Source: www.colostate.edu/Depts/CoopExt/4DMG/Pests/psyllids.htm) Does anyone have knowledge of neem's ability to have systemic effects on Pepper Psyllid on the Brazilian Pepper tree? I am tempted to mix up a batch of Neem Concentrate (www.greenlightco.com/products/neem/)and water the tree roots. Good idea or bad idea? If good idea, would the Neem mix rate per gallon of water would be the same for systemic application (2 tablespoons per gallon) as it is for foliar spraying? btw, Rhizo, you are so right about Ladybugs. In the past, when I have released thousands in one day, only a few dozen insects stay around. I wish that my neighbors on all sides would release thousands, maybe some would flee to my property... Here is a link that might be useful: Green Light brand Neem Concentrate BOTTLE LABEL (pdf)

Check out Robinsonella cordata, with gorgeous blue hibiscus-like flowers. I just picked one up at the UC Berkeley Botanic Garden fall sale, and am anticipating the first time I get to see it bloom. I am also enjoying the fall blooms on my Cunnonia capensis tree in my front garden, but this is another rarer tree species that takes some searching to find. The Chinese Fringe tree is also quite nice or how about Cornus capitata?.

'A spreading weed' is an odd way to describe Fennel. Perhaps Logan/Caldwell means Dog Fennel, Eupatorium capillifolium. But the OP's plant isn't that either.

Thank you for the information. There are 3 blue atlas cedars in my neighborhood that I know of, and all of them are shaped conically. They were all planted within the last 5 years. Em, I hear what you're saying about planting something to block the view nearby. I did plant a tupelo, an unnamed crabapple and a ninebark to block the view, which helped when sitting on the patio. But there is still a long expanse where nothing breaks the top line of the fence. I can also see the neighbor's cluttered yard from the upstairs windows, which are above said patio. I can see 4 backyards and at least 8 houses in that direction. I also like the feeling of being enclosed, like the backyard is nestled in trees. There used to be several huge ash trees, but they fell prey to the emerald ash borers. My backyard is like a football field that I'm slowly filling up with trees, but none are bigger than 12 feet yet. The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today. As they say. Gardengal, I checked on that other post several times before I posted again. There were no responses that I saw after I posted the photos. I just refreshed the page and I am seeing those answers now. My apologies.