Good drainage is the key! Other than that, they need light shade (or at least protection from midday and afternoon sun), a humus rich soil (add compost, well composted manure, or maybe peat moss), and possibly protection from varmints.

BTW Stan, I noticed you are from Oak Ridge. Are you coming to the plant swap this Sunday? It should be a blast and there's food!

Do you go to the Oak Ridge Arboretum much? Do you know about the plant sale coming up?

I have been to several of the arboretum sales, and I do know about the plant swap and have followed it for a couple of years but never attended. I moved in the last year so I don't have much to trade. I left lots of plants at the old house, didn't have the time to bring any when I moved. I am looking at what's at the new house and adding things as I see what is there. I have major ivy and vinca problems so I am spending alot of time on my knees pulling and riping out.

Some people come to the swap with very little. I know of at least one person that came without a single plant. But, others (like me, usually) are like plant adoption centers. We are on the lookout for anyone that can give our plants a good home, so it all works out. This time I don't have as much as I usually do, but I'll still probably pack the back of my truck full of stuff. Also, part of the fun is meeting and socializing with other plant people. You'll get to know the people behind the screen names. If you get there around noon but before 1:00, they'll be good things to eat. Hope to see you there!

BTW, the next sale at the Arboretum is October 11 from 9:00 to 3:00.