"Sudden Oak Death" is actually a different fungus (phytophthera) from Oak Root Rot Fungus (armillaria). I am afflicted with armillaria in my front garden. In 1998 I planted 70 roses in that 25' x 60' area, and in 2002, the first one inexplicably died. After a few nearby roses died shortly thereafter, I had my county extension agent come out for a diagnosis, and he confirmed armillaria. Ground zero for the dying roses was the spot where we had an 80' pine removed and ground out the previous year. The roses continued to die in an outward pattern from this spot over the next few years. We have multiple theories about why this fungus is so active in this area, which I won't go into here. Anyway, armillaria fungus is endemic in many areas of Calif. I have since replaced all of the in-ground roses in that area with 15 gallon potted ones sitting on stepping stones. I was sad to lose my in-ground roses in that particular garden, but as a trade-off, I now have 180 roses in an area that I used to have 70. Gotta love that smaller footprint in some ways. It's pretty spectacular. The ancillary in-ground plantings are variable in their susceptibility to the fungus. Many things resist it quite well, although I lost some of my hydrangeas to it. It's been a very long 5 year journey of research and dealing with it. I could write much more on my experience with it. Hope this helps.

well to tell ya the truth i do not know I have white and i have pink...couldnt tell you which is which until they bloom i am new to all this i also have new water lotus starts that i am growing but i do not know what color they are...either ink or purple..will have water lettuce and water hyacinth once it spreads and also parrot feather

Hi all! Hi Bill-it isn't any fun replacing plants in our landscaping because of this freeze we had. I still have a few to replace....I'm waiting for a warmer day to do it though BUT I still need to buy the plants first (LOL). That would help, huh? Beaver: Here IT is...coming around the corner..... The Power of the Mind is coming.......WARMTH WARMTH WARMTH WARMTH WARMTH!!!!!! Do ya feel it??? You got what you asked for before (lots of snow!!!) and now you're asking for "more" (Geez-LOL). We felt the same as you waiting for some warmer weather (I know..we don't have it as cold as you do) AND we finally got them. It was in the high 59 today...are ya jealous? Hehehehe....a heatwave for sure. Well, we are getting cooler weather again. :( I know we won't have any snow or ice and believe me-I am very glad of that. You can have it all. I don't think you are a dork. Funny saying though-I used to use that word a lot too hahaha. Soooooo here you go-enjoy it!!! I have been outside but not really working in my yard lately because of the winds blowing cold. I do see some pansies blooming now they look really beautiful which makes me happy. My tulips are growing taller each day. I had crocus bloom already. I have some daffodills coming up too. I did go to a nursery and bought some flowers a few days ago. Planted some and am waiting to finish planting them after these winds go away. (No drooling now-you'll be out there working soon enough) Seacliffsand: I don't have climbing roses but I do know there is a special way of pruning them. Lisa, do you know it? I would call a local nursery for the how to on doing it asap. Not sure where you are but Plant World and Star Nursery in Las Vegas are great with advise on everything. Sorry I couldn't be more helpful. Beca~

"Lorie- listening to country music doesn't make someone a redneck. Chaining their dog to a tree does. Rednecks don't have tractors because rednecks are lazy fools that don't work! They don't live on farms." Wow, what a way to show your ignorance. So are you saying all lazy fools are rednecks? Many areas have different derogatory terms for lazy people, generally based on ethnicity or skin color. Rednecks don't live on farms huh? I guess they live in the big city. You know most of the rednecks I know live in NEW YORK CITY! I didn't know chaining your dog automatically gave someone the status of a redneck, better pass that memo out down the holler. I've lived my life in the south and still get classified as a hick, hillbilly, country bumpkin, white trash, and a redneck. I look beyond peoples comments when they try to classify me for my upbringing and all I see is ignorance. "Rednecks" are generally poor low class white people. It isn't that they are stupid and do things because they want to, but they lack education. They are far from lazy, they usually quit school at early ages to work farms or other jobs to help support their family. I know so many people that fall into that category but they are the kindest people that would help anyone in need. Sometimes it takes a kind word, understanding, and an extended hand to help them understand the importance of things we find so simple. It does nothing to judge people for any reason, be kind, and offer a helping hand.