I have been busy bringing in the plants that I want to keep over the Winter. I brought the two Hibiscus in a couple days ago since the weather guy was warning us of a frost. Today I cut back the Mandavilla and brought it in. Also two large hanging begonias and one Coleus. I've never tried to keep a Coleus, but it was just too pretty to throw out. They are all in the end of the garage where I have an entrance door with windows. Also I dumped some container plants, and took down the deck umbrella and brought it in. I'm right proud of myself!! The weather today has been perfect with sunshine, and temps in the high 60's. S'posed to get some of that rain on Saturday, when the family will be here for my DD's birthday. I hope it will hold off though. Enjoy the weather while we can. Winter is just aeound the bend. Sue

I am not sure if my worrying is justified. Will it encroach on the building or will it coexist without much problems? Any Banyan experts? I cannot remove the tree, it's protected and it's against code. The only way I can remove it legally is if it dies and are severly infested by termites or brown rot and even in that case I know the guy who trims it told me removal is about $8000.

I have thought about sun fade. I figure that is a risk. I can always change my mind later (something I am really good at...). The people that had the house before used paint on the cedar, so I can't re-stain it. They actually ruined all the cedar and it would cost a fortune to replace. I am basically trying to band-aid it. It's so ugly to me and have lived with it for 10 years and am fed up with it.I figure if I want to go to a lighter color, it would be easier with a dark blue than a red. If I wanted to go a lighter blue later, it would be an easier transition color-wise. I just don't want a purple house. :) Our house has a steel standing seam roof. It is the basic galvalume color. My husband was in the steel building business for years. So he knows what kind of steel to use and not use down here. Our roof looks like new still. I was planning on putting some fruit trees on the west side of the house where there is no shrubbery. That would help cut down the sun beating up that side of the house. My house is on 60 acres. Our neighbors aren't close. So I don't have to worry about that. haha. Found some old pictures of the house when we first bought it to give you an idea.

Alanna, I think MOST of us feel the same way! Those of us that have to grow them inside that is..Can you imagine how many people that don't even come here have the same issues? And worst yet, I have been growing them since I was 10 years old!! I have never had a perfect banner year with every tree, but thank God 99 percent of them do ok and the 1 percent that does not do well, goes in the trash! I feel your pain too. There is no perfect environment to grow them perfectly unless you grow them in an area they are accustomed t Oh the joys of this hobby...lol