This suggestion sounds perfect, I looked it up and I can thank of no better barrier. I removed a plant last spring for my mom and remembering that the blooms were pink like the picture of a quince that I just looked up seems to be the same plant. Then I went out side and I saw those two inch thorns and bam, I already have about four that survived the transplant. If the plant can handle such rough treatment I know it will be easy to propagate from some cutting. I would like to have a few more plant to build this hedge quickly,maybe I will check ebay. I wish we had this option for people in lower Zones, as this plant is a Zone 7 -9. My plants are all ready showing spring buding. My hydrangeas has not lost all of there leaves yet, so I think I am a Zone 9 so far this year.

Cheryl, Thanks for permission to steal your idea. Who said "Wmitation is the greatest form of flattery."? Also love the Gale Garnett quote. Isn't the next line "We'll dance in the raindrops, we'll dance everyday?" (A must add to our hurricane song list started during Hurricane Frances, if I can find it again, and a nice one to add to the garden.) I loved your yellow bike, too. What a happy garden you created, and thanks for sharing. Goldenpond!! That a gorgeous path. I love the design, both the flow and the materials. Thank you for posting the picture. My property isn't as big as your's, but I'd just love to meander down that path and look at your plants and smile. That installation must have been backbreaking, but the result is absolutely awesome. Unfortunately, my big dog is still too skizzy (at 7 1/2 years) to do the mulch, stone and paver combo. I keep thinking we need to get her into a drug sniffing or victim finding program. Yesterday she started barking like crazy in the back porch. I let her out and she ran like a thoroughbred horse the Belmont to the Powderpuff in the backyard. She started jumping up into the tree (no shrub anymore) and came out with a big old rat, which she killed, left in the yard and came back to look at me with big goofy, "did I do good eyes?". I honestly had no idea there was a rat in the yard, and had spent a few hours working on that spot next to the powderpuff. I'm sorry about all the cleanup you have to do to endure Fay. No fun! You have a lovely garden, and I appreciate your sharing the beauty. marilyn

I was driving home from college and had to pass under a railroad trestle that diagnolled the street. As I was coming up to the bridge, an 18 wheeler lost a tire and rim, that rolled across 3 lanes of traffic, hit the concrete pillar of the trestle, bounced back across 4 lanes of traffic, across a parking lot and landed in the back of a pickup truck parked in front of a car repair shop. Everyone in all 4 lanes of traffic, slowed down and watched it all happen, no one was hit. The guys in the shop came out and just stared. I don't think the driver even knew he had lost his wheel. Back in the late 70's when I-15 finally was finished and didn't go through Las Vegas, DH and I were heading for California. It was late afternoon and had been raining off and on. I looked over at the skyline of Vegas and there was a huge rainbow over the entire city. A Kodak moment and I didn't have a camers. Swear!!!

Jasdip, Of course you only meant to pass on good wishes. I wouldn't ever think you were belittling or minimizing the day's meaning. chisue has it right, retailers make any opportunity to sell sell sell and so many Americans ignore or really don't know the real meaning of the day. bengardening, My condolences for the losses you have suffered over the past few years. I will pray you can find solace and remember the happier moments of your shared times. It is inevitable Death will eventually take all we love in time if it doesn't come for us first. Our only chance is that we might live full, enriching lives and pass on something special to others. Your father was a hero as are your husband and son. The releasing of the water from the dams is awful for so many people and it is not taken lightly by those who had to make this decision. Fact is it would be devastating and possibly deadly for many more should the dams burst (still a distinct possibility). This way, with warning, at least people are able to get affairs in order and take what they want from the planned flooding area. Nothing like a flash flood, a tsunami, a Cat 5 tornado, an earthquake or a wind whipped wildfire to make you see the better side of this. LIL