I cannot help the OP since he lives so far north. However, I would like to chime in about fall annuals. Here in the deep south, most summer annuals are really pooped by mid September. And IF you can find any at all in the garden center, they are dreadfully expensive because they are in large pots. So, I start fall replacements NOW the first week of July. I just sowed bright yellow marigolds (to serve as much longer blooming chrysanthemum replacements) and dark blue angelonia this morning. I put the marigolds outside on my deck where they will get water each day with my potted vegetables. The angelonia I started inside (need lower germination temps), and will gradually move outside later. They are really a small investment of time and money, and come September, my beds are stunning again.

For you, Kathy, Happy Birthday, a little late! This Hosta is Frances Williams, one of the first I ever bought, and a split of my original, brought here from my other house. I raked up the Cenotaph garden today, took about ten minutes, and a good thing too, as it is absolutely freezing cold, and really windy. The sun is out though, so all is not lost. Gee, Eden, that Bella is a sweetie! I chuckled though, at the egg-hunt photo, because I could tell that you had had many pots on those steps in the past! We got TCS to church on time this morning, shirt and tie, understanding that he has to be quiet and not squirm too much. It was a communion Sunday today. In the past, TCS has always declined, but, feeling very grown up he decided to participate. Who in their right mind would give a seven year old a small plastic cup of grape juice and make them sit there and hold it for 15 minutes? By the time he got to have it, he had split the cup and had to drink out of the side of it. He got his piece of bread and played around with it until it no longer looked like bread. He ate it anyway, and pronounced it delicious. How spiritual. DH and I could hardly keep a straight face through the whole service. Having a lovely quiet day today, counting my blessings and thinking about my gardens. I had lots of stuff I wanted to say to you folks, but I have been interrupted so many times that I forget what I was going to say. So, on that happy note, I am off to cook a wonderful meal of mac and cheese (home made, at least) and hotdogs for the masses. Cheers, Julie

its a conifer.. and you water it as a conifer.... you water it when it needs water.. letting it nearly dry in between waterings .... insert finger to 2nd knuckle.. to determine if the plant needs water ... water when the soil is hot or dry .... a good layer of mulch is highly beneficial there is a conifer forum if you want to learn more about conifers in general ... NEVER prune a conifer.. as you would prune a shrub .... ken

There are quite a few camellia specimens around Victoria. They are like me... can't wait for spring even though there's not really a winter. Here's an idea for a shady spot in your garden. Here is a link that might be useful: Camellia Season