Well, I finally moved to a new "permanent place", or at least semi permanant anyway this past january, and I love it. Im not on the GROUND floor, facing SOUTH. Ih ave a nice large patio, and the best part is that there is nothing but a 100 foot wide strip of woods behind us, that backs up to an industrial park. It is pretty out of the way, and the property is fenced off so there will be almost zero foot traffic back there. The woods are comprised mostly of Black Locust trees, some maples, and a few virginia "scrub" pines on the far side of the "strip" of woods. Were on a big hill, so witht he trees having no leaves, we actually have a nice view, overlooking the "valley" between 2 rather large hills.

While im thrilled with having the end unit, the patio, and lots of "extra" yard like space to grow things, The one challenge I see is sun. Directly above there is quite a bit of open sky, but thats it. the woods arent REAL thick, and black locust trees dont provide LOTS of shade, but I still view it as a possible challenge. Since the sun will be directly over head.. im at least assured of sevearl hours of full sun in areas.

As usual im still planning on lots of Moonflowers and Morning Glories, but now that I have space im giong to try more things. Im thinkin about putting in some kind of planter boxes and / or doing alittle landscaping type thing. Not real sure yet. Ive cleaned the whole area around the patio up, as it was kind of not in the best shape. There is no grass though, that im going to have to put down seed for. There is small patches of it, but its more dirt than anything.

Ill post some pics as soon as I get my camera charger back and can use my cam again.

Gald to be back, though this time im more of a patio gardener. =o)

Judith

Oh dont worry, If you know me from the past.. im taking before, during, and after pics.. and everything in between. LOL!

I too am likely to return after being away for a long time(so glad to see N's out of spite and back from Disney!). I've moved myself, and have small yard and patio. I had serious problems with lack of sun in the last rental (bi-level patio) and had to scale back my gardening. Now I'm a home-owner, and can make more permanent choices.

Congrats on the moves to both NoVA and Robin and good to see ya OofS. :-D Hope your new spots will give you additional ideas for plants to grow and wish everyone a good growing year this year!