I moved to Arlington about a year ago from East Texas,I had never encountered "clay" like this. Dark gray to black. I am having a tuff time growing my crepe Myrtle as well as my rose bushes. They are both planted on the north side of the house. Roses in the front yard Myrtles in the back,with full sun. Their leaves look dark and wilted but their soft. They also look as if thiers powder on them. And when I broke the stem it is still green on the inside down to the tip ends. When planting these (not at the same time) I mixed in Miracle Grow potting soil ,and top soil. Now i'm just at a lost.
Can anyone please help me.
Thanks Lanell

Lanell; For your roses, use this program:

http://www.dirtdoctor.com/view_question.php?id=326

It has worked wonders for me.

For the white powdery stuff, use this:



I hope this helps.

thanks for the information. i'll give it a shot.