The last few years, God has blessed me with a green

thumb . I don't know why, usually I can't even keep

plastic vines alive! These pictures are a few of my

flower friends.

The climatis vine and the hibiscus are neighbors. When the temperate outside stays about 50 to 55 degrees at night, we dig a shallow hole and place the hibiscus, pot and all into the ground on the east side of our house. It usually takes about 3 weeks for the plant to get used to breathing fresh air again. Sheesh, the leaves turn crusty and white from the sun and it looks like it's on it's last leg......but it always pulls out of the slump; new growth sprouts and it begins blooming once more.

In the fall, we reverse the process and return it to the house. Usually, we reduce the amount of water we give the plant, however, we noticed yesterday that there are about 10 buds on the plant and gave it a good watering.

The hollyhocks make a nice backdrop for the ramp.

I've never been able to grow roses, so imagine my

shock when these made it through the winter.

These photos were taken in July of 98; Gary fertilized the hech out of the pond plants. The cana is getting huge and is blooming for the first time. The pink waterlily (3rd season) has pads which are about 8 inches across and they support frogs/toads easily.

This is a close up of the cana blossom, it is a brillant red and there are maybe 12 to 14 more buds waiting to open. The plant is very top heavy and tips over easily....that's what the fertilizer did for it this year. We don't want to replant now because of the blooming period.

The litle yellow fellow is the newest member of our pond. The woman we bought it from says she leaves her gold fish in the pond during the winter.....I don't know if we will be that brave or not.

About 3 years ago, we bought this Hibiscus plant. The flowers are paperthin and about nine inches in diameter....and absolutely gorgeous.