Claire - Yes, we have hummingbirds around here although this was the first time in my life living in this area that I actually saw one in person. I think they are mostly Ruby throated hummers. The more amazing thing is that I never ever expected one to fly up here, although I do get bees up here who pollinate my blueberries so it wasn't entirely out of the question. In any case, I had secretly hoped that I could actually attract something other than pidgeons. heh It's ironic but the first time I actually saw a hummingbird up close was 20 years ago in Colorado. I had always heard they were around here, but living in the city (although I'm right on the suburban border), I never saw one. I saw this one buzzing around one of my weigelas that was reblooming on a branch that was hanging over the rail (a "Red Prince" weigela). It was small and brown-colored but the beak was unmistakable. I know the weigelas are supposed to be a known attractant, but I was surprised that it flew all the way the heck up here to spot those flowers. Guess it was a beacon in a sea of concrete! LOL Especially given the time of year that it stopped by - which is around when they start to migrate. I always loved weigelas since I grew up with one, which is why I have 2 plants now. Interestingly enough, last spring I finally broke down and bought the Goldflame honeysuckle. I loved the flowers and made sure I sniffed first to make sure it had a scent and then I put it in a container on the balcony and had it climb a trellis that I had along a concrete column against the wall. The vine eventually grew to the ceiling and started hanging down and it was flowering with each new bit of vine growth. It eventually produced some side shoots with flowers on them that were dangling in mid air about 6ft (2 m) up. And later that week, I happened to step out on the balcony and saw the hummer buzzing around one of the dangling honeysuckle flowers. Of course once again, I froze like a deer in headlights! LOL By the time I thought to get the camera, it had flown off. That did it for me! I actually had a thread about it on this forum here. Yeah, I have a great view up here (part of what makes me stay), plus the balcony is fairly large so I can put a bunch of things out there.

photobucket stuff - good luck http://s1064.photobucket.com/albums/u370/greenfingeredsuzy/ These are a bunch of pics which my daughter took (so there are lots of baby ones) and stuff I definately would not have on public view (I know there is a pic of myself looking like a complete crazy woman) but.....gotta start somewhere. Sherry - wasn't even sure what a usb thingy was, and I dunno anything about memory cards - I just pointed my daughters camera and let her loose on the PC. Am determined to get the hang of this though as I fail to keep any sort of coherent notebooks and in those dark january days, what could be nicer than looking to see what is to come. However, I am relying on your help and encouragement. David, I have put your really helpful info in my bookmarks - thank you. Should have read it first before posting photbucket links but, we can but try.

You're all so sweet. I got a little teary at all the nice things you said. Ingrid, I recently received the LeVesuve Climber which will go in the backyard and was just looking at Maggie and thinking shovel. Maybe LeVesuve would be a good replacement but she came from Vintage and shipping is so expensive. Maybe I'll try cuttings :)) Melissa, I'm sure you remember St Augustine grass. Well, I learned the hard way it isn't meant for small spaces. Edging it was killing me, and when the edger died, well, that indicated a change was needed. I loved the look of that emerald carpet - just not the upkeep and the diseases and bugs and freeze damage. Interestingly, the "path" seemed much smaller when it was grass. Once the gravel was down it looked huge and even too wide. But the thought of making it smaller gives me the shakes. I can't just 'think it and make it so' though if I could I'd have room for a few more bushes. I'm the second in our small neighborhood to go 'grassless'. The neighbor who did it first (at the time of construction) drove by one day, stopped and said "I admire your courage." I pondered that a while, thinking it was an odd thing to say. Then I figured it out. Being different takes courage, I guess, but I never thought about it before or would describe myself that way even now. But it was gratifying to hear such a thing from a neighbor. Mike, you're a man of few words. Thanks. Diane, you made me laugh, too, but there's no for sale sign next door. But I'll give you the owner's name & phone number. He currently is living in two houses - more in the other a few blocks away than in this one, so this house and yard are neglected. You'd like Ocala, very friendly town. And I'm a Connecticut native. Denise, I'd be surprised if they'd come all the way up here, though our Society just went on a tour of four Tampa gardens, but they were mostly growing modern roses. And there absolutely is hope. We just need the patience to go with it. Lynn, I know the feeling. ***So many of my new roses are new and small and in new beds. Makes sense to me. :)) The red roses on the arbor are both Don Juan on Fortuniana - very vigorous and popping new growth like crazy! I don't know if you can see them, but I also have a Red Cascade on each side at DJ's feet, trying to hide naked legs. I may or may not need them. They're in partially buried pots. Alicia & Pam, recently my neighbors are very complimentary. (It's amazing what a few flowers will do.) Before they probably just thought I was wacko and had a thing for digging and redigging. organicgardendreams, hard work is exactly what it was. Gravel is very heavy stuff, and St Aug grass is tough stuff. We have to be careful that our "heart's desire" doesn't write a check our bodies can't cash. There were times when I was afraid I was in over my head and still when the water bill comes. Denise, I am absolutely happy. And when the blackspot arrives in force I will be culling out the worst & replacing them with healthier ones - if there are any. jbfoodie, thank you. I agree the design really is key, and I can say that because it was providence not me that birthed the idea. A very happy accident on my part. Patricia, you're right (and very sweet), future prospects are absolutely exciting. In spirit I am with you with my shovel and wheelbarrow, but my body still has to dig out a bed for Blush Noisette and LeVesuve, Cl - hopefully, before April is over. Florence, I don't know if I'd call them totally lucky. After all, their 'scenic view' of a sweaty, dirty, red-faced woman in T-shirt and baggy shorts may not be what they bargained for. holleygarden, you're welcome. Everyone mentioning the lucky neighbors has made me rethink. Until now I just figured they thought I was nuts, but I guess they might just be glad I live here. I know one thing. It would be wonderful if you all were my neighbors!! Sherry

THANKS so much, Debra! Your feedback means a lot to me. I agree on the Smoke Scream kid....it is a personal favorite of mine. I just couldn't stop looking at it, almost in disbelief that it was so stunning. Those sepals, outlined in white like that, are special indeed and they curl up like ribbons. There are 4 seedlings of this cross but this is the only one that bloomed this year. The stats reflect that it is planted in a less than ideal location where it doesn't get enough sun (overhanging limbs from trees)....only 10 buds....but not bad for a one year old. It is tall, 39 inches. I should move it to a better spot since I have high hopes for this one. All the seedlings I am showing were LA seed wins just to get me dabbling in seedling culture last summer but everything from this year forth are all my own crosses. Another shot of the Smoke Scream seedling, side view