@sueinmn, When I had my lawn irrigation system professionally installed, 3 areas in back near fence were drip lines. They simply didn't work for me and I had them removed and different ht pop-ups added to those areas which have worked more successfully. So happy for the irrigation system but even so, there are some areas which still require hand watering.

Yes, while Lowes is my first stop, Sue, I also purchase from local nurseries and growers. The growers particularly do a great job because of their knowledge of our soils, temps, etc.

Sunday was a purely perfect Spring day with temp up to high 80's. Yesterday heading out to doc appt at 8 am, temp was in low 30's and never got above 50 late afternoon. Exasperating to say the least and more of the same predicted until next week.

After the horrific TX freeze earlier, I'm still hoping that despite two additional short term freezes recently, more of my perennials will still emerge. So happy that your 4 yr old crown of thorns is reviving and feel sure that like your younger plants, many of mine may have bitten the bullet.

In the meantime, I'm attempting to root both Eng. Ivy and Powis Castle’ artemisia along with a variety of seed starters in little seed pots. Also using the wet paper towel method to check for viability on other, older saved seeds from previous years. Thank goodness for my vacc that will be seeing extra duty once the dining table and breakfast bar are cleared of potting mix.

Are you back in TX for the spring/summer? Your growing location and mine so differ in the same state that it is almost like we reside in different countries, yes?