Thank you so much for the suggestions, Swayback. I am going to have to pass on the Castor Beans due to having dogs and grandchildren. I just could not live with myself if either were inadvertently poisoned.
I checked into the tetrapanax that you recommended. It looks very interesting. Do you know if it is a garden thug or not (or a lung irritant)? If so, I may not plant it in the main garden but I definitely have some rougher areas where it could spread without being an issue. I am just trying to figure out how and where it could fit into the scheme of things - I really like the look.
Oddly, bananas seem to enjoy being in the open ground here. I have been careful, though, to plant them in 3-4 inch deep swales so that they receive all of the extra water available.
Again, thank you all for the suggestions. We are close to finishing planting for now and we will pick back up come autumn. I really do appreciate all of the help!
