debra..thanks..that is a Japanese maple and it is different than most of my others which are Bloodgoods..I think the tag said Emperor Red?..my seedlings are from my numerous Elegans seeds that I throw around..it was fun to see them when I pulled weeds the other day..hope they make it..

Glad you had a nice visit! Those dual purpose jobs are always so satisfying....take down a tree and purpose it to solve a runoff issue, good stuff. Your garden always looks like a wonderful shady retreat. Blue Angel will always be one of my favorites.

peren..thank you!..I do love being outside here..logs aren't the look for everyone but I don't mind them..I think of the front and the center of my backyard as the "formal" areas then each end of the back as "natural"..but most people probably think the entire place is wild lol..I noticed Blue Angel looks nice with my turquoise pots in the background..maybe put one near it?..

Glad you had a great visit with your family. Your yard looks like an oasis where plants can thrive. My yard has lots of sunburned plants even though I don't have a lot of sun. Love japanese maples, I got a couple new ones 3 years ago. One is thriving and the other has had issues with sunburn in the winter--this year I have to wrap it so that it does better.

miles..thank you!..even though I had shade at my last house this shade is more intense..when I moved in I studied the neighborhood to see what plants looked nice..then I started buying and planting..I'm so happy that I worked hard when I was younger..I'm reaping the rewards of my hard work..as time passes you'll have more shade when everything grows..I've heard of wrapping the trunks of Japanese maples but haven't done it..I saw a gardening show about a nursery in NC that specializes in Japanese maples..2 brothers named Nichols (my name!..easy to remember)..I'd contact them if you have questions..I'd love to go there..

I love your garden. Everytime I see your pictures it makes me want to go out there alone with a glass of wine and just wander around and relax for a few .

erin..what a nice thing to say!.. :-) ..we were outside and just came in for a very late lunch..I saw your comment and it made my day!..