I have 2 coneflowers at present that are grown in pots on the south-facing balcony of my apartment. They get plenty of sunlight and I do my best to keep them well-watered. I have a "Magnus" coneflower, purchased back in 2003 or 2004, and a "Sunrise" coneflower purchased back in April 2006 from a local garden center; both are doing very well. "Sunrise" bloomed nicely the first year, and has bloomed very heavily the second year. It runs about a month ahead of schedule when compared to old standards such as "Magnus" - it leafs out earlier in the spring, grows up quicker, and blooms earlier. I assume that it's flowers will also fade a month before those of "Magnus." Overall, I am quite satisfied with it. The plant is a strong grower and had no problems during the bitterly cold parts of the 2006-2007 winter here on the East Coast of the US. However, it is worth noting that its flowers are very pale yellow once exposed to the sunlight. The deeper yellow tones are only evident for a short amount of time or on flowers that are more shaded. Once left out in the sun, the flowers fade to an off-white, yellow color. The cones, however, are much more yellow than the standard gold-tan color of most coneflowers.

"I am now a bit embarrassed having posted mine" ... mmmm, planted with that hydrangea and the clematis in the background, looks great to me and I'm gonna steal the combo idea :) Several years ago, I so nearly had tossed Thalictrum 'Splendide' in the compost pile. For two seasons it languished against the east side of my house, I mean it grew no more than 8" high and always covered in mildew. Was gonna throw in the towel, though recalled just how highly touted the plant was, so I plunked it in the main large flowerbed with no thought as to placement or care to tend it. The following summer it made a nice recovery and a friend noticed it and remarked "OMG, Terry, I love, love, love that big purple plant and must have one for myself! The plant is about six years old, the first two seasons don't count, as it was pathetically barely hanging onto life then. It's been in its current location for two years now and in very deeply amended soil with good moisture and full sun. As to the width, I'd say the foliage near the bottom isn't much more than 2' wide, though the flowering top is impressively large. Here's another photo

Hosta-p-k-man and coralb, Your Great Expectations both look more lush than mine. I made the mistake of dividing mine a couple of years ago, which set both div's back drastically. I think GE is one that a person must leave alone for a long time, since it seems to be such a slow grower. uk-hostaman, Your Great Escape is stunning! I have added it to my wish list. Phil, Weed or not, I never tire of Gold Standard, especially in the Fall when it shows its beautiful gold center. Paul, Your Guacamole is expertly situated, among the darker foliage plants - great photography! A few of my G's: Giesha - not sure I like this one yet. The leaves are rather thin and get shreaded during strong winds - I should move it to a more sheltered spot: Gold Crown: Gold Drop is always loaded with blooms: I'm not sure Golden Meadows is supposed to behave (or misbehave?) like this, with every leaf different: Love Golden Sculpture's heavy puckering: A favorite of mine, Guardian Angel: Julie

Although our house will end up costing several times what we paid for it when we're through restoring and renovating, it is a dream come true. I always wanted an historical home but never thought I would own one. The house is in my hometown, and it is a beautiful, fantastic old house. PO was a DIY fool and did a fair amount of damage to the house. We are undoing what he did. Probably won't be able to afford to undo what he did to the outside: replaced the original tile roof with metal, covered the house in aluminum siding, and replaced the 1889 windows with putrid vinyl windows. The house would probably have been eligible for National Register status without the "improvements" of siding and elcheapo windows---according to the SC Dept. of Archives and History. There's a good chance we'll have to replace the cruddy windows one day and probably do something with the siding---just to protect the house---but that is in the future. For now, replacing the porch floor, having new stucco applied to the brick columns, and restoring the interior are the priorities. We have already had the house completely rewired. All new ductwork has been added along with two HVAC systems (one for upstairs and one for downstairs). New plumbing is in the works. It will take years to get all the floors refinished (most were painted and some had carpet over that), but the ones we have had refinished are just absolutely gorgeous. We are repairing as much plaster as possible. So far, I've had only one plaster wall knocked out and replaced with sheetrock. Hopefully, that will be the only one that is too far gone to repair. Most of the woodwork is intact. I'm about to have a few pieces copied. My grandmother is 96, and we're having her bedroom and bath finished now. About 2/3 of the upstairs is on the verge of being finished. It's expensive. We're selling some property to get the funds to do a lot of the work, but living there is just living in history. We believe that we have saved the house for many more years. The house seems like a living entity. It's a beautiful neo-classical Victorian with four huge columns on the front, a wraparound porch, a gorgeous front staircase, a back staircase, six fireplaces, original parlor light (gas/electric design), and original front door with leaded glass sidelights. Even though I'm pouring my time and money into the house, it is all worth it to me. I just hope I can get everything done that the house needs. Please, please, research before you destroy great things about your old house. And if you know how---really know how---to DIY, that's great. But don't ruin the house like the PO tried to do to our house. Of course, he thinks we're "messing up" all the great things he did---like adding trailer wallboard over the plaster and ripping out claw foot tubs to add fiberglas. I'm going to stop now; I'm returning to a place I don't want to revisit! On with the restoration!