Ask your sister and BIL what kind of shade they get on the east side of the house (other than the house itself). Sometimes houses are so close together that east facings barely get morning sun. We have loropetalum on the east side and it's easy to maintain to the height desired and it's evergreen. Grows well here and there are several varieties with either green or maroon leaves. East facing foundations, so long as they have real pitch for drainage, would hold dwarf burford holly , weeping yaupon holly (tall), osmanthus(tea olive,fragrant flowers), pittosporum (solid green or variegated), various viburnums (flower and berries). A protected spot with excellent drainage would be nice for a winter daphne although you have to plant them very high in the soil. East might be a decent location for some gardenia shrubs too. She can tuck in shade loving annuals that tolerate the morning sun. You'll know more once you get here as to drainage, sunpath,prevailing wind direction and general air circulation. What part of Charlotte will you be visiting? There are many garden centers but there are one or two 'best' in each direction. Endless Summer hydrangeas have had mixed reviews this year. She might try potting one up and placing it where she wants it (or where it wants to be). If she's dealing with new construction landscaping, know that most of what they claim as topsoil in beds and borders is simply construction subsoil. Nearly devoid of nutrients. First order of business is to have the soils tested and then amend them as required. She can have that done in advance of your arrival. Before she invests in a japanese maple know that its siting is critical for its survival. Many of the varieties just won't take if exposed to our hot afternoon sun and heat reflected off the house. The red broadleafs are more tolerant, the laceleafs the least tolerant.(in my experience) As for landscape architects..the ones I've dealt with fail to take into account sunpath, existing drainage, nearby houses, nearby trees etc. etc. They know their plants latin names and what seems to thrive in Charlotte but fail to remember that they won't be doing the installation. Uneducated and uncaring crews can doom the best planned landscape materials.

My box from Holly arrived today, full of plants! There's a new butterfly bush, lilies, irises, and a hot papaya echinacea! I've been trying to establish a patch of those in the yard this year, and with Holly's added in, I've now got them from 3 different sources, which will give me a strong showing of seeds for years to come! Yippee!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading the letter she included, and plan on lighting the candle later tonight when I've got the house closed up and the air is on. Holly sent some elephant garlic for planting or eating, so I think I'm going to include it in the bbq sauce I'm making for tomorrow's ribs...YUM!!! Holly also included a watercolor print card by a local artist, and a cool postcard, showing off Kentucky, which is a great place to visit. The plants are now soaking in water and I'll be planting "a touch of Kentucky" tomorrow in my yard. How cool is that? And, get this y'all. (that's my impression of Paula Deen, like it?) Holly is ALSO painting a dried gourd birdhouse for me and sending it when it's done. All I can say is...WOW!!! Holly, THANK YOU!!! peace. -Dan

Have a wonderful time LuckyGardnr!!! I don't have much if any desire to go to hot-spots. I did do a Hawaiian cruise one year, but was under-whelmed. But a Costa-Rican rainforest would be heavenly to see!!!! I should be back up and running tomorrow, so I'll definitely help out with the recipe thread etc. Have a wonderful time, and think of us poor KT-ers hashing it out in cold wintery weather, and others who aren't able to take a holiday! LOL Come back fit as a fiddle, please.

Leasa, Crystal River Fla., I like it there too, if I had to pick a place in Fla. DS #2 has been a member of the "Save a Manatee Club" since he was in second grade (he's 18 now) so when we go to Fla. to visit Grandma, we always have to go to Crystal River to visit his 'adopted' manatees. We also have to see "Lucifer'the hippo in the nature preserve. When in Fla., I like to seek out local architecture (got to check out Seaside and Coral Gables) and stay away from the tourist traps. Grandma lives in Ocala (horse country), right across the road from Silver Springs with it's wonderful nature preserves(and waterpark) She likes to take the boys to Daytona for a few days of skim boarding and swimming (AARP discounts!) I discovered Asheville NC before it got 'discovered' The Grove Park is a 'mecca of mission' for me. I actually assumed the lotus position in the hotel's lobby and 'absorbed the aura' And Biltmore - I'm not worthy, I'm not worthy! Fortunatlly, I have cousins living there now, so instant tour guides! While I was growing up,I loved St.Joe Michigan and Warren Dunes. I have friends that live there now so it is just that much more fun. My Grandparents would take me to Ludington Michigan when I was a child. It is still very non commercial and a nice walking, camping, fishing, antiqueing area on the lake. Travel north and another favorite place is Mackinac Island. The town is a tourist trap but the Grand Hotel has another 'lotus position' lobby and sitting porch. My brother lived in San Diego for ten years and wants to go back and visit his friends. My sister in law was born there and still has friends and family. I don't know why, but a bunch of his 'Indiana University' buddies ended up in San Diego in the early 80's and have never returned. My parents used to visit my brother there every year and revisit the places they enjoyed while my dad was stationed out of there while in the navy. I want to see Balboa Park and the "Del' My SIL had her prom there and said it is a must see for any architectural fanatic. I'll have to grab one of my brother's 'hoodlum friends' to be my tour guide. I like to go where I can vist old friends and have them show me the places they enjoy. Anywhere the is a lake, patio, fireplace, nature, places to walk to, no congestion or tourists, and an old friend is where I like to be.