Echinocystis lobata

I am amazed bordering on stupification that there is an entire book devoted to Echinocystis lobata.

Available through Amazon.com (link here).

Wild Cucumber

Echinocystis lobata

http://wisplants.uwsp.edu/scripts/detail.asp?Spcode=ECHLOB

I am ready to give up on this plant.

Again.

We had only one volunteer this year, and the stem got broken off before the fruit matured.

The stems are so fragile, and the germination rate is so poor that we cannot keep them going.

Brent and Becky

http://www.brentandbeckysbulbs.com/

A great source for bulbs.

Chocolate Vine

Akebia quinata

"An excellent ground cover for shady areas and woodland gardens."

http://www.mobot.org/gardeninghelp/plantfinder/Plant.asp?code=A149

I am even more convinced that I have to try this vine.

Vines for Shade

http://www.flower-gardening-made-easy.com/climbing-vines-for-shade.html

Unfortunately, a limited selection.

We have Virginia Creeper (in spite of the name, it is a Wisconsin native).

I would like to try the Akebia.

Victorian Peach

Clivia 'Victorian Peach'

http://www.whiteflowerfarm.com/26685-product.html

If I had a greenhouse and a lot more experience, maybe I could go $475 for a single plant.

But probably not.

Pole Mount for Bat House

http://www.batmanagement.com/Batcentral/boxbuild/Polemount.html

Sounds simple enough.

But the first casualty of any battle is the plan.