Tomatolord wrote:

This area is really on the border of zone 7, not really close to zone 8 , so
REAL zone 7 plants need protection from northern winter winds and winter
morning sun.

What do you mean? I am in Zone 7B where i live in Durham County and,
according to the new upcoming zone map, will be moving to 8 when it is
officially adopted. To be honest, I haven't had any problems with my
plants even after this past winter except for one gradenia that got
snapped by the December ice storm.

GIVE up on amending the soil and go straight to raised beds, you will spend
ALOT less time and hassle than trying to convert native clay soil to anytype
of real soil.

Totally agree with that. This has been a subject of past debate on
rec.gardens.roses but I just don't see the poitn of amending. Sooner or
later you're going to hit that clay barrier.

Welcome to the triangle! Mind sharing the UK connection? *smile* I
noticed you're posting with a UK address.

Susan
shsimko at duke dot edu