Old Fashioned Dahlia.....Every Dog Has His Day

This old clump of dahlias was planted in the front bed over 50 years ago and has received only benign neglect, and it is truly an example of the survival of the fittest.

Bandages on a Very Sick Japanese Maple

For nearly 20 years this Japanese Maple tree has been beautiful in the front yard, but has gone into decline over the past 2 years and sadly to me is now half dead despite my best efforts to treat and revive it. It looks pitiful and bare without most of its leaves, so I decided to hang a dozen begonia baskets from its limbs for a punch of color and greenery. However, I dislike the tacky effect...reminds me of silly autographs on the cast of a broken leg or those gaudy Band-Aids on a scratched child. This winter when it goes dormant, it will need major pruning.

Painting of Coleus

Wild Summer Poinsettia and Creeping Fig

Years ago I got this native wild plant from our woods and planted it in the yard.Now it is everywhere I look but I don't mind a bit. Somewhere I read that it is called "Wild Summer Poinsettia" but all I know for sure is from its milky sap that it is in the Euphorbia family. When fall arrives, the red blotches will become bright red,and then this weed really starts tap dancing.

Fuzzy Wuzzy Dwarf Golden Acorus

Of the 3 types of Acorus that I have, this super dwarf golden variety is my favorite. In the shade it is not as bright a golden color as those growing in more sun. I like the way it grows in swirls, like a cowlick on a kid's head.

Pot of Peppers For Good Luck

Many years ago after I graduated from the University of Mississippi, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer teacher in Thailand and Laos for 7 1/2 years. The Thais and Laotians traditionally have very hot (as in hellfire and damnation) peppers growing near their front doors for good luck plus handy plucking to add fresh to ALL of their meals. I like to grow them as ornamentals only since I can no longer eat very spicy food. Of course, if they bring us good luck and keep bad spirits away from the front door, that is an added bonus too.

Variegated Artemisia 'Oriental Limelight'

Another tough, tough evergreen plant that flourishes here. No insects touch it due to its pungent odor of mothballs. This artemisia is so different from the various silver leaf types, but I like its drooping habit and subtle variegation.

Red Star Cordyline and Ornamental Sweet Potato Vines

This New Zealand plant is doing surprising well in this hot and humid climate and its skirt of ornamental sweet potato vines keeps its feet cool.