Well, I try to keep my uncle's garden in a state of perfection (or as close as possible) but that never happens. One summer I was there and the grass (in the flower beds) was up to eye level for me (I'm nearly 6'). It had gone to seed and it's progeny was already flowering. I was not a happy camper. The garden stays printine for the month of May and Sept when I am there and that is about it. So, I will call it white trash with a bad manicure but good intentions. This spring I was not able to get as much work done as I had expected so, I left all the 500 stems of tulips along the front walkway. May aunt says that she doesn't mind pulling them out and actually finds it fascinating the way they "pop" out. Well, I talked to her last week. The gardeners were just now pulling them out. How embarrasing. As far as tropicals vs bedding only, I believe there is a happy medium. I do use a fair amount of tropicals simply because you can't beat the way they take off in the heat and humidity. They love it and never look back. But, they are quite a chore in the fall and don't really continue on after the first frost. So, it is all a balancing act. I have many large leaved, non-tropical plants that give that effect. I will be adding some of these this fall but such items as variegated horesradish, rhubarb, Angelica, Dahlias, Cimicifuga (Actea now), etc., all add a tropical effect. To extend the fall blooming season, items that are in the Compositae family can't be beat. Tony Avent's selections of Helianthus, Rudebeckias, Echinacea, etc keep on going. I also have a large collection of various Solidago and asters. They are great compliments to the wanning tropicals and can add a lot if situated properly. Ipomoea 'Marguerite' turns bronze around the edges and looks great around purple asters, Echinacea, or any of the coppery Carex from New Zealand that are hardy. So, you see Jim, there is a balance if you step out of the white trash barriers and open yor eyes to new wonders. Who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks? As a foot note, all my uncle's neighboors are pretty much whtie trash with cash. Most lots are 1.5 to 5 acres with $200K homes on them. They are planted with a few hostas, the prerequisite junpers, yews, Berberis, and Euomymus. yuck!!! ===== John Ingram in L.A., CA. http://www.floralarchitecture.com/ check it out Floralartistry2000@yahoo.com 310.709.1613 (cell, west coast time, please call accordingly. Thank you)