She is in AZ, Colleen, and I live in IL. She will be moving to Wisconsin as soon as they sell their AZ house. She is a realtor. Husband's job got eliminated here in AZ, but he was able to switch to a different division of the same parent company, but they have to move back to WI. Her pond is pretty much self sufficient, only needs care once a week or so. I already know how to change the floating skimmer basket, and if the pump (Oase brand) needs to be flushed, I can do that as well. I also am taking care of the pool, netting leaves and so forth. Saved a couple of bees and a grass hopper this morning. LOL
Thanks, Addy and JW! She confirmed both of you are absolutely correct on your flower identifications. And, if the blue star one was even available as an annual, I would purchase it! Maybe if it was mulched in, it would survive the winter. And, last year, we got down to single digits for a day or two, but that was it. Usually if we get below zero, it's very short lived. I suspect the zone chart says it would not survive. However, couple of weekends ago, at the garden center mini seminars, they said to push the zone limits, and see if the plants will survive. So many things are factors, and the zones are safe. If you have something holding back the wind (wall or fence), or extra sun in an area, etc. you can push into the next zone easily. I don't have much to stop the wind, but the house, so things that can go with morning sun, usually can be pushed to the next colder zone for me, I've found.
