Shamefully, we have not been taking very good care of it. We have in the past fertilized sporadically with commercial fertilizers. Once to maybe 3 times a year. We just put down the Scott's fertilizer with Halts. When the forsythia are in bloom, right? I will have to measure the mower height and I *think* I have DH convinced to mulch this year (unless we let it get too high). We also haven't watered it in the dead of summer ever, really. I guess it would be easy enough to measure rainfall (and water deeply once a week! See, I have been reading!) I guess I probably know enough to think if we just fertilize, water when needed, mow at the right height, try to keep the weeds away (which stronger turf will help with), and seed in the fall we could be in pretty good - or at least much better - shape. But I'll take validation on that or any further advice...websites, plans, ideas for how to transition to more environmentally friendly fertilizers. I guess I don't know where to go for that stuff - I imagine I would have to drive out to the farm supply stores far, far away for some of the things I have read about on here (which are escaping me at the moment, of course). Although I guess to do that 1-2 times a year wouldn't be terrible depending on the volume we would have to store and the storage properties. I'm open to ideas!

Or, you could cut the center out,all the way around the lid, go to the fabric store, go into the isle where they sell plastic for tablecloths,really cheap, and you get a large piece for little money,nice and thick also. Cut the plastic to the size you need, place over container,secure with lid,add holes,Done! cAROL

Kay. I didn't do nothing in the beds today.I could barely stand up,and move just a little, so I stayed in the recliner almost the entire day.Everytime I moved a little,I was hurting everywhere, but, then about 5 this evening,I decided to go out and just look at the daylilies to see if just possibleI would see a scape making up, but, nope, no such thing, yet, but, I pulled my litthe garden scooter out on the sidewalk and sat on it and pulled weeds out of some of the pots,and jerked dead, brown leaves off them, to make them look better.I should have thought and brought my osmocote out and put a little in each pot, but, never thought about it, till just about 15 minutes ago.only thing I seen new was about a dozen lily bulbs had sprouted and popped up.I even found one where I know I didn't plant one there.My entire body just seemed to be in spasms today, but, mostly in my back.Tomorrow is suppose to be bad storms with a possibility of tornado's.I sure hope no tornados. jean

Thanks everyone for your input! I like the idea of adding in a color or two into each of the rooms to give them some interest. Because I consider decorating my house kind of a hobby of mine, I want that to be reflected in the actual decor. I don't want people to walk in and say of course her rooms are put together, she only used one color. Does that make any sense? Perhaps I care too much what other people MIGHT think when they come into my home. My husband and my little girl feel at home, thats what matters! But just so you get a better idea of what I am talking about, I will post some pictures after I am feeling better. I have the flu right now and the house doesn't look quite photo-ready!!