I bought a row house with a large deck overlooking a tiny yard. Here's what I learned: a deck (or porch for that matter) is built up above the ground. The idea for them is to be a place to sit to look out OVER something. Think about it, the captain sits on "deck" to look out over all the goings on aboard his ship. So, when landscaping around a deck or porch, I think the main goal is to give yourself something pleasant and appealing to look out over. And, unfortunately in close surroundings, maybe provide a barrier to everyone in the neighborhood looking up at you. As a totally random side thought, I once lived in a house with a big back deck. Both myself and the person before me planted lilac shrubs around the deck. We didn't reap much in the way of benefits, but I have visited the house now much later in time, and the current owners love it. So get some lilacs planted, the sooner the better. There are several smaller varieties now, like dwarf lilacs and Miss Kim Korean lilac. But they are not the most fragrant, that's the big old persian ones. But with a small yard you may have to compromise. Other nice things to plant near your deck that smell great are honeysuckle and roses. None of these plants is much to look at. When it comes to that, you have to decide what kind of plantings you want to look at and maintain. A little waterfall designed like a natural outcropping. A tidy row of shrubs? A seasonal riot of colorful perrenials? A rock garden? Something emphasizing foliage? The possibilities are endless. I'd sketch out some ideas on paper before I started digging. Also check out some of the books on landscaping small spaces. Make sure you buy the "small spaces" books, because the general landscaping books may not be quite as useful. Working with a small space is a challenge, because you have to be VERY selective, so think hard about what your priorities are.

Welcome Candice and son!! here are some sites to check out www.butterfliesandmoths.org for what butterflies are in your area and what they eat: www.whatsthatbug.com for what the "cats"(caterpillars) look like: www.monarchwatch.org www.butterfliesetc.com These are chocked full of general information!! Check out local nurseries, ask if you can take their "cats" (buy a couple of what their on!!) buy tomatoe plants-doesn't matter what kind-the cheaper the better- they attract hornworms, I know their not pretty butterflies but my son thinks their the coolest and that's what counts:-) also fennel, dill, and parsley will attract swallowtails, you can buy them at the supermarket already potted (sometimes) If you like I can send some milkweed seed just email me! Brandy

Your budget is a lot like our budget. Like yourself, I'm just not in a neighborhood that will support returns on high end options. That being said, we haven't ruled out all high end options, either! Appliances is one of the areas that I plan to be very cost conservative. My neighbor across the street just remodeled their kitchen. They went with LG, waited for sales and I know they spent less than 4,000 for all appliances. I went into my local high end appliance store, and after picking my jaw up off the ground at the 7-12K ranges, I saw a package deal from Jenn-Air, who is running a sale throughout the rest of 2011 to get rid of this year's models. It's a slide-in range (which I want), a CD fridge (which I want), a microwave over the stove (which I don't particularly want) and a DW. All stainless steel - priced at something like $4500 plus $500 off in installation. I've also been hearing that now until the end of the year is THE time to buy appliances, as the new models are coming in early 2012. Someone told me that Christmas is the best time ever - but I'm seeing Veteran's Day sales I plan to check out. While on the subject of appliances... OTR is definitely a ton cheaper than the expense of a microwave drawer and range hood (I can't believe how expensive they are!). I figure it will add 1-2K to go that route. However, if you can be happy with a counter microwave, they are small and cheap - and often can be installed with the upper cabinets (either below or in a shelf). I've also seen small microwaves installed inside of pantries. I'm going back and forth on microwave options, both in terms of cost and layout, and considering everything I see. Lots of people buy dented or floor models and there are good deals to be found with appliances on line. Several people here have talked about buying on e-bay and are very happy about their 'steals'. That's less of an option for me, as I live in Alaska and shipping is a nightmare. Like yourself, I am not spending 20K on cabinets. That's close to my entire budget. Unlike you, I am strongly considering IKEA or going with IKEA frames and custom doors. People who have gone this route just don't seem to have complaints. IKEA has a kitchen planner and calculates the costs of everything you put in. My IKEA plans included all appliances (not that I would necessarily be using IKEA appliances), lots of glass doors, 2 tall pantries/banquette and a full kitchen including trim - for 8,000 dollars. One of these days, I should recalculate what it would cost for just the cabinetry - and minus doors. I need to get some other estimates and look into custom doors, too. People also keep saying custom can be competitive and I didn't think that could possibly true up here. However, a client told me yesterday that she just hired a custom cabinetmaker and it was competitive. Maybe she means competitive with a 20K quote, though... ;) Just for fun, you should look at some of the amazing IKEA kitchen projects that don't look like IKEA... What IKEA lacks in the option category, it makes up with in terms of ease of modifications for those who are handy. Here's one amazing IKEA kitchen, complete with IKEA counters that are dyed with india ink and another URL to a GW thread on IKEA kitchens: http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg0221442111496.html Here is a link that might be useful: Brickman's IKEA Working Farmhouse Kitchen

THANK you so much for responding. I guess you can see why I'm confused by his question. So you're saying that when he asks which regulating body, he means "who is reviewing and certifying the soil?" I'm sorry if its a dumb question. I have little to no knowledge or experience with gardening or soil. I'm worried that if they find out I'm not experienced, they might take advantage of me and charge me triple the amount. The company I'm looking to order from advertises that all of their soil is certified organic. So I'm really confused as to why he is asking me who will be reviewing the soil I purchase from him. Essentially I'm looking to order their soil, ship it across the country, and add my own recipe of organic ingredients to create customized soils for different gardening needs. But I dont want any chemicals added. I want 100% organic. So I figured if I am using their soil, it's already certified organic and I won't need to have it reviewed and tested. What are your thoughts? Again I can't thank you enough for responding to my question so quickly. I apologize if I'm not using this site correctly or if I'm asking too much. I really appreciate any response or advice I can get, from an experienced and knowledgeable gardener. Kind Regards, An Aspiring Green Thumb