PV - My poor figs had almost defoliated earlier this summer from some strong winds so since they have finally started growing leaves again (plus they are popping out figs), I hauled them just inside my balcony door. I will haul the crape in too once the wind starts since it had gotten almost defoliated earlier as well with the figs (I just sprayed it for PM and it's finally getting ready to bloom - a bit late). Meg - yeah, I think we are all so involved in so many other things that things like that slip our minds! That's why I did my mental check this morning because I know inevitably I'd forget something and there I would be, running out on the soaking wet balcony in the windy whipping rain, in the pitch black, trying to drag some wet plant that fell over, inside! LOL I left my hanging hoyas out because they are well back from the rail and in the far eastern corner and should be okay there. The hibiscus came in (that's a nuisance to move but it defoliates in wind real easily). I'm going to leave the passifloras out because they are already back from the rail and made it through Isabel last year. The habs came in as well as the oleander, the Stephanotis, a fuchsia, a lantana, a plumie, 2 christmas cactuses, and a pointsetta that I had rescued out of the trashroom this past spring (LOL). I'm leaving the EEs out there as well as my white bird of paradise and my prickly pear cactus (which I pulled back from the rail). I'll bring in the gardenia as soon as it gets dark (it's been drizzling on and off). The rest of the stuff can get rained on including the coffee plant (it should love that since those shrubs supposedly like something like 70+ inches of rain per year... LOL). I'm surprised my building didn't put up notices about the balconies like they did last year in preparation for Isabel, considering I know a bunch of folks have umbrellas out there (and they're open too...). Oh well... I guess we'll have to hang on and see what happens. I know that when Bonnie came by, we didn't even get any rain at all, which was somewhat surprising given the hype around here about her...

Ok! I have a newbie question too! Ok it snows less than an inch. For most people in my little neighborhood the store is in walking distance. That store was jam packed with people getting ready for the "shut in" from the "snow storm" WAY ahead of time. The streets were totally empty that day. BTW, the snow melted the next day. They have an actual storm with possible tornadoes,a torrential down pour and lots of flooded out areas. The makings of a real natural disaster... Nobody even gives it a second thought unless their house actually floods. People were driving around like normal and saying stuff like,"Lots of rain were having..." I'm SO confused!!!PJ

Lilyfinch, I saw your cute bubble pics on IG. Lucia is filled with such joy. She and Henry are delightful. Lisa, you had me laughing at your dwarf SdlM. Goes perfectly with my non-blooming variety. But, your poppies! Wow! Now, that's a poppy! How long do Baby Blue Eyes bloom? Had to look up Bubble Bath. How have I never heard of that one?! HalloBlondie, I'm going to suggest he just add on to the small barn, which is more of a big shed. It houses his ATV, snowblower, lawnmower, wagon trailer and junk. We have just under 6 acres, but the out buildings are all clumped together near the house. Not the best look. Altorama, I'm torn between pampering my Edens and neglecting the heck out of them. Maybe I should send them to you for a few years, then you send them back to me once they get the hang of it. Sultry, the answer to your question is - not a clue. He asked me to find some barn pics to show the builder. He said I should choose because he wants me to like it. Can't be too upset with that! Lily, you'll soon be growing things you couldn't before and your growing season will be almost year round. Only a couple hours away is Roger's Gardens in Newport Beach. You'll love all the garden bling in addition to the huge plant nursery. Festival of the Arts in Laguna Beach is fun and Pageant of the Masters is incredible. There are the missions all up and down the coast. San Juan Capistrano was a favorite. If you like Mexican food, you will find that it is so much more authentic than Mexican food in the midwest. You'll love the jacaranda trees, camellias, gardenias and being able to grow your own citrus. I'd grow citrus for the scent alone. The fruit is just a bonus! Plants that were annuals in TN will be perennials in CA. You can visit Grace Rose Farm for a day trip. Sounds like they're gearing up for visitors, big time. The entire Santa Ynez area is worth staying a day or two and visiting Solvang, and a little further up the coast is Carmel and Monterey, wonderful get-a-way spots. At least, they used to be. A stop in Santa Barbara is a must. And, if you like antiquing, Summerland, just outside Santa Barbara was always a must. Not sure if it still is. Deborah would know. These places are not especially close to San Diego, but more like day or weekend trips. And, I am positively green with envy you will get to visit Lisa and Ingrid.

A few more things blooming today. We had another full day of rain today, but the sun came out at about 7 pm and it's quite warm & humid. I think the plants are loving it. First picture is more chokecherry blooms, then my butterfly magnolia. It's a small tree still, but double the blooms from last year. Last pic is one of my geums. Always one of the first perennials to bloom. Early irises are coming next as well as the lilacs. My peony just shot up 6 inches since yesterday and I can see the buds too. Roses are really starting to grow. Other than a few that look pathetic. Oh and when Diane mentioned the size of her Julia's I had to laugh, since mine is currently 8 inches × 6 inches!