I have Masquerade, a pink/blend hybrid tea from Palatine Roses in Canada that doesn't have the atypical high center pointed bloom of most HT's, but more of a flat decorative type of bloom with super heavy petal substance and so they last a looong time on the bush. The bish is quite large growing and very vigorous blooming. The blooms are not overly pretty, but different to be sure. Wild Blue Yonder is a purple grandiflora that blooms a ton of very decorative shaped super fragrant blooms. No high centered form here either. Lastly, Elina is a light yellow HT that for me has more of a loose decorative form that is somewhat flat as well. It really doesn't have the high centered form most exhibitors are looking for, though I do know that it is exhibited by some people on occasion. My Elina blooms would not be good exhibition blooms, but do make very nice garden type blooms as they are colorful and large and it repeats bloom very quickly. John

As far as I'm concerned there are NO varieties of any color, any shape that don't exhibit blossom drop. Blossom drop is normal, without any conditions that encourage it, as a way for the plant to shed blossoms that would set fruit in terms of making sure, or helping to ensure that the fruits that remain will ripen. Kind of a natural culling process if you will. And then there are all the other conditions that can cause blossoms to drop based on temps, etc. High sustained humidity can also cause pollen to clump making it less effective and that also can result in blossom drop. Carolyn, and do read the article about Blossom Drop by clicking on the FAQ link at the top of the page and scrolling down . And as Dave said, a search will bring up lots and lots of threads on Blossom Drop as well/

I did Dal Continental slate floor in the bathroom, with white tiles and a different color slate trim and pencil. I love it. I really like contrasting materials and textures, and the smooth white tiles and the more rustic feel of slate is very appealing for me! Am doing a backsplash as I write in the kitchen which will be white subway and slate border to contrast, too. We live in a more wooded area, so the contrast fits the outdoors as well. I don't have a lot of views of the floor, but here is one you may be able to get the basic look of: Here is a link that might be useful: other pics of bathroom...

No experience with the Southern Indica Azaleas here in zone 7a, but you could look into Encores 'Autumn Belle', 'Autumn Twist', or 'Autumn Chiffon'. They seem to have a similar look. I grow a few of the Encores - mostly the deep purple ones. They need just a bit more sun than regular azaleas -- but not too much! I think I prefer the Boom-a-thons though. But honestly, there are so MANY hardy azaleas for the Mid-Atlantic. Any of the Girard Hybrids are amazing. And I have a real soft spot for the Satsuki types with their large waxy flowers and late blooms. Especially one called 'Chinzan', which blooms in late May I think. It spreads to form a wide cushion no more than 18" high. Some of the Azalea yedoense var poukhanense varieties, will give you those huge flowers early in the season. There might just be one of these that has a similar look. Extremely hardy too.