Nothing like a new compost source and space to plant. I haven't planted any new perennials or trees this year. I did order some new melons and veggies. We're currently discovering which stone fruit varieties have fruit after our rainy spring. Some of the apricots failed to bloom due to lack of chill (before March, that is). I have a Red Fuji and a Pink Lady apple. The Pink Lady is blooming now, but the Red Fuji looks like it hasn't decided whether to bloom or not.

Didn't you forget the pears? Clay soil usually suits them fine. If I lived in Georgia, I would probably start with "Spalding" and "Warren", which hail from the South and are fireblight resistant. But there are a lot of other tempting varieties out there, too.

We had a very hot, dry summer, even for OK, last year. I had my seaberry send out roots that produced off-shoots up to 5 feet from the raised bed (!) where they are planted. I'm concerned that they've spread into the neighbor's yard and will wind up having to remove them.

They are wonderful for those of us who have greater intentions than skills. They are fine if they get neglected for a few days, often preferring it to regular pampering.

I may have to retro-fit the bedding area with something you might use on bamboo to keep it contained.