And it looks like a red trillium in the back just opening.

It's the Double Bridal Wreath Spiraea! It is different than simply Bridal Wreath Spiraea in that the flowers have more petals. And interestingly, one site even mentioned, "Is not native, but has been used since pre-civil war times around houses in the south. A poor spirea that has a good name. Needs to be kept pruned to look good." This gives me an idea both how old the remains of the house might be that it is next to, and also how to try and get it blooming and healthy again! Thanks for the help, esh_ga! After about five years I finally know what the shrub is! :) Now I just need to figure out a way to transplant it without killing it... Here is a link that might be useful: More Info

GardenGirl -- I was at Peninsula Gardens on Mother's Day but it was a little early for the plants I'm really interested in buying. If you notice an orange, dark-foliaged dahlia named 'Bishop of Oxford' would you please say something? My parents live close by and can pick one up for me. Have you ever taken your kids to Titlow pool in Tacoma? I used to work there in junior high and high school. It was a nice big pool but would probably be considered ancient by now! I love Dig Nursery, too. Sylvia and Ross are good friends and when I visit I usually take a picnic lunch for all of us to eat in the nursery. Time for another visit!

Brenda, last I checked...people weren't in danger of becoming rare or extinct. I don't care about their poverty..that is NO excuse for poaching. It is in-excusable for major corporations to buy that which was poached from state and federal lands, which belong to ALL of us, then turn around and sell it for profit. There are many, many government programs available to the poor...from pre-natal care all the way up to elder care programs and hospice. Including free college tuition, work training, food, medical care, etc. I have been really poor...I have lived on Ramen Noodles and tortillas and potatoes for months at a time, yet I never felt the need to steal. Heck, I was unemployed and uninsured when I was diagnosed with MS..and I didn't go hold up the corner store to pay for my tests and treatment. I used every government/private program I could use to do that which needed to be done..after all, I had already paid for it many times over. What these folks are doing is stealing, and what they're stealing is our natural heritage. And they're stealing it from each and every one of us, and our children and grand-children. People who go on "plant rescues" with reputable organisations don't turn around and sell the dang things to the highest bidder. Silverkat...If you can't beat 'em, join 'em? I'd rather not join 'em. And yes, boycotts do work. I have lots and lots of ethically collected or nursery grown and propagated native plants. I don't need Lowe's. The ethically collected plants and seeds are out there, all that's required is a little research. VERY little..people who grow natives are usually happy to admit their stock is on the up and up. If enough people cared enough not to buy those little baggies of dessicated native plants..well, there'd be no financial incentive to carry them in the store. Which would go a long way towards solving the problem, wouldn't it? april