Lol! I guess I should have said "social" instead of calm. They are a rather friendly duck but they like to wander as they have the wild background of the Mallard. Of course those two could be crosses. Khakis are typical clowns of the duck world but they are not real good at staying home and sitting eggs. They are also known as the "talkers". If they can get out, they will probably be back, especially if they find your garden particularly tastey. :) Someone is probably looking for them. Ginny

Oh wow, what a nice collection of roses. I really like the way you have some of them hanging. I must try that. Are the hanging roses all minis? I have two GCs. I hope they grow up to be as beautiful as yours. They are both throwing long canes so I might have to give them something to climb up. : )

OH MY, Molly, that's gorgeous! I'm definitely interested in seeing your pictures since i'm in the 'doing' stages of my backyard landscaping, starting w/the hardscapes. Where in TX are you? Do the Hydrangeas take only shade or need a little sun? Unfortunately, the sun shines all day in my backyard, but there are the corners of the fence hmmmmmmmm....

For flowering vines for a mild area in a shady location, I can offer the suggestions I used in my own garden - polyanthum jasmine and hardenbergia. Both are vigorous evergreen vines, the jasmine has small white and very fragrant flowers, the hardenbergia violet coloured ones. I have both planted in a North facing wall and they grow and bloom beautifully in our mild climate. Both flower for me around the February time frame, so this would qualify them for Winter flowering interest as well. Maybe you could plant two of each in alternate sides of your harbour. Then underplant with bulbs that are in the same line of colours - blue and white yacinths, anemones, white daffodills, grape yacints, etc. By the time the trees canopies leaf out they should be done blooming. This would be a very smart two tone combination. If you prefer some contrast, add bulbs in contrasting colours, but I think the first option is more sofisticated. As for something vertical in the hanging baskets, what about some miniature conifers? They won´t be too happy in the shade, though, so you might need to change them on a regular basis. Eduarda