I'm leaving the elderberry in there. Birds love it, it blossoms pretty (I am told), and it's an unexpected little find. But instead of the blackberries I am planting stands of sumac, for bright fall foliage, and a scarlet oak which turns a fabulous golden bronze in late September. So next year, I'll have a heap of stuff to look forward to.
Oh, and the sixty-odd different tulip bulbs that I got from the Skagit Tulip Festival earlier this year have also been planted. Next spring will be a riot of colour in the front yard. Can't wait.
Did I mention that I loved living here?...
(now if only the deer would stop using my poor little dogwood tree to rub their antlers against...)