You don't have to sign up thru only Facebook or Twitter to join Pinterest, I used my email address and a password. (Even tho I am on FB too). I just joined Pinterest about a month ago and its totally addictive to someone as photo-obsessed as I am. Most of the old gang here knows how I save pictures. LOL. I mostly lurk here these days since I haven't made any GJ things to share in quite sometime. Life got in the way last year. But I try to keep up with what's going on here, and on the Conversations side of GJ too. Sandy, hang in as this has always been a great Forum. I hope you found our Inspiration Albums with over 1000 photos saved in them, and by categories to make it easy to go to what you want to see. Karen

I am in Pennsylvania, but there are a number of people in your area growing rhododendrons. The areas in the Red River valley and the Mississippi valley are probably hotter and more of a challenge for rhododendrons but OK for some azaleas. However the hills in between would be suitable for a number of varieties of rhododendrons, especially the R. hyperythrum hybrids that were bred for the Southern US. The American Rhododendron Society has a list of rhododendrons that do well in Arkansas at http://rhododendron.org/alphalist1.asp?PP=OZ. This list includes some very hardy varieties that do well in both heat and cold. The ARS also has a Rhododendron of the Year program that has a South Central section that should include your area at: http://rhododendron.org/roy15sc.htm. If you look at the bottom of the page, you can see the selections for previous years dating back over 10 years. I would guess the earlier selections are the more obvious choices and the more recent are perhaps more marginal. In any case, there are people near you growing rhododendrons. They probably are using very good drainage since root rot thrives in hot areas, and some "high shade" to cut the impact of the summer sun. Three varieties have the unique characteristic of being Heat & Cold and Sun & Shade Tolerant: Boule de Neige, Nova Zembla and most PJM varieties. One hyperythrum hybrid that has proven reliable in your area is Peppermint Twist: Peppermint Twist – 4', -15F. It has red buds, opening to rose pink flowers, with red flecks in the throat and a white circle in the throat that slowly grows larger each day. Just as attractive as the flowers is the glossy dark green foliage, that is held for three years on a vigorous, but compact, plant. Good Luck!

Looks like an Euryops daisy. It is common practice to cut them back after the growing season, so feel free to remove the remaining bare branches. They are generally considered relatively short-lived and are usually inexpensive to replace. Some growers just plan to replace them every few years, but in some growing regions they remain viable for much longer.

Havn't heard of Snapshot, will have to look that up, although I can usually keep up with the weeds in the beds by hand. Took stock during a little stroll around on this beautiful afternoon. The irises are early, and looks like the herbaceous peonies will be, too. Cut a few lilac blossoms to bring inside, and a few hellebore blossoms for an Ikebana arrangement. Planted onion and leek sets and some wintersown lettuce seedlings. Wintersown milkweed is ready for transplant. The October-planted garlic is looking great; probably will have an early harvest this year. Pulled more c. incisa, and deadheaded tulip and daffodils. Water in the pond is just over 55*, so the koi are due for a feeding. The canna rhizomes look like they fared well over the winter, will have to get those planted ASAP. My spirea has grown amazingly, too ... a little too much, actually; I've been thinking about replacing it.