Welcome Wren...Love the Zen and Coffee too. So glad you are here. I read every word of your post and will be happy to give up my "title" of Queen of the very long post
I used to live in Ahsville but your summers are way hotter. Afternoon shade for your babies. At least you do not have as much rain as we do here in the winter. It sounds like you are well on your way to having a great collection. Yes.. pile on the grit. pea gravel, pumice, anything but gets them out of the clay