Oh you're telling me! I thought I hacked to death a Crate Myrtle in the back yard, but look at it now (pic 1). My maple in a can is flourishing (pic 2), my melons are thriving (pic 3), and my mandevilla is blooming like there's no tomorrow (pic 4).
Everything looks just fabulous, ShearMe! Wow - you sure have a greenthumb there! Good for you. You are a wonderful gardener, even though you are just beginning. Talent is evident in your pics. Thanks for sharing with us. : )