Allenwrench, This is one is a hickory nut of some kind. Could be something perfectly edible, even delicious, or could be one of the astringent or bitter species. You'll have to wait until the nuts are ripe in the fall, then gather some, let them dry about a month, then crack them and see what they're like. Many hickory nuts are really, really delicious, but a bit hard to crack. Squirrels may take many of them before they are anywhere near mature. When they're ripe, the green outer husk splits open and eventually falls off, leaving a nice, clean nut. If it's white-ish to tan, and sort of flattened, it's a hickory, if it's more round and darker brown, it's a pecan. Both are in the same genus, Carya. Here's a good Wikipedia primer on Hickories: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hickory

J0nd03- that ft.mcnair is a beautiful tree. Ill have to see what the specs are on it as far as tolerances/preferences. Tornado- no offense taken at all, I'm quite long winded myself (I am a car salesman!) and I love taking politics but unfortunately from what I have learned (perhaps its the area we live in?) most discussions about politics/govt matters turn into a pissing contest/yelling match because when someone has a differeing view than I yet cannot support their claims/reasons for their beliefs they get defensive and resort to un civilized behavior. I think it's hilarious but sure you have experenced it as well! ;) I really appreciate the info your giving me. From what I have read/picked up from folks (a good friend of mine is a horticulture major/landscape business owner) these beech trees will maintain their vibrant foliage as long as they are kept hydrated. I'm site the tree in your pics gets pruned/pest control done professionally and regularly but I'm not sure about the watering part too much?

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?.

You can grow almost anything there . I loive in Creston same basic zone. What is the black rectangle space is that going to be a patio? I think it would be helpful to show use in a scaled drawing exactly what the whole space will look like when finished .