What kind of oak do you have? I wonder if it makes a difference....? Because I agree with mad gallica - the south half of our backyard 'woodland' garden is under a red oak. I've never done anything special to plant under it and there are perennials and shrubs from right up to the trunk to the edge of the canopy. In the early years I had soaker hoses under there to water but haven't used them for more than 10 years and they have all been removed now.

Fair enough. I'll pass it on.

http://www.gardenweb.com/gardenweb/query/Ego45

This is often done to counter rose replant disease...as opposed to changing out all the soil. 15-18inch square box is recommended size, filled with clean loam...or soil taken fron different area of garden without roses.

Leave it to the lawyer who likes a challenge....Ken, thanks. I'll post the link on the hydrangea forum for everyone's enjoyment. I'm so glad you garden instead of spending 18 hours a day in an office.