yet another chapter...

I have discovered the love of my life...and I am talking about a person for once. He is my equal above and beyond my wildest dreams. I truly believe that when one door closes another opens wide and my last year has more than tested that theory. With this renewed inspiration has come a multitude of landscaping opportunities. I have renewed a 1920s property in Dayton and have many more plans for the future. And his connections have allowed me to pursue a more business oriented opportunity. YUG is still a passion of mine, and with love and patience it may grow into more than I could have ever imagined!

i've struck gold!

Little does more to excite a gardener then the introduction to a "new" plant. I can often be overheard exclaiming "this is one of my favorites"...today however, I discovered the most amazing species of barberry I have ever witnessed. Sungold Pillar is an upright variety in my favorite color of barberry. It can reach 3-4' tall but is only 2' wide. This columnar deciduous shrub is the yummiest shade of chartreuse, but the new growth appears to have a reddish tinge. It is a Proven Winner variety and I am anxious to see how it does in my landscape. I am hoping it will serve as a better alternative to the Sky Pencil Holly of the south. I can see it flanking an entryway or even making a statement in a planter surrounded by ivy. It can take both full and part sun so it is an option for a multitude of environments.

wow

I am amazed at how life can twist and turn. I am ashamed to admit the length of time that has passed since my last post. What I though would be an amazing relationship has turned out to be a good friendship. And what I thought would be a fantastic career has proved to take what I hold most dear, my health. That being said, I have applied for a position back with plants, and again my passion is being sparked-despite the odds. I have moved to even more rural America and by the grace of an open landlord, I am transforming bit by bit my environment again. I have transcended some dark days, but just as spring comes year after year, I once again see bright light at the end of the tunnel. Those of you who have occasionally hoped for another installment, please keep the faith. What does not kill us makes us stronger and after every winter there is a spring.