I live on the Arkansas/Louisiana state line. The azaleas I have are the older ones that stay evergreen all year. I like them because they're old & big - the smallest is 5 feet tall & the biggest is 6 or 7 feet tall. And when they're in bloom they're just gorgeous! But you're right, they must be a staple for the South. The youpon holly (I think that's what it is) my husband got from the county landfill stays evergreen. He happened to be visiting a friend that worked there when this man came up with them. Seems the wife got tired of looking at them & wanted something different. They are pruned into balls at the top. What about the conifers - juniper, etc.? Or, ornamental grasses? Not shrubs I know but most get big like shrubs.

Also, you may want to got to the following since it's in Pine Bluff:

May 28th>>>>>>>also June 18th, July 30th, August 20th, & Oct. 1st

Regional Park, Pine Bluff
Gov. Mike Huckabee Delta Rivers Nature Center

Free Admission!!!

Bring a plant(s), seeds, cuttings, or bulbs to trade with other garden-lovers.

Contact Diana Neal (870) 534-0011
dmneal@agfc.state.ar.us

I'm not sure where I got this information, maybe the arhomeandgarden.com website?

Wow! Great suggestions:) I was specifically wondering about the conifers and how they do down here since the only evergreen I see here seems to be pine trees- yuck! Gardenening by the Yard with Paul James always has some incredible ideas for dwarf evergreens. I especially like the weeping varieties. I plan to get a dwarf weeping willow asap. (am aware it's not a conifer). Sometimes I am just not sure how well some of these things do in this climate, though. I will do the Nature Center swap, though; as this is one of my favorite spots anyhow! Thanks to all and blessed gardening!
Jen