Thanks for that photo of Kaleidochrome -- what a looker! (Ps whatever happened to "I before E except after C"). Jo - thanks for those photos! I'm going to put Fingerprint in however much sun is needed to produce that. And Trifecta looks lovely. I love that combination of colors. Mocc - thanks for the update! I am torn on this hosta so I'm going to do some more research. I posted this in the newbie thread, but here are the beds I'm trying to fill up. I'm in the fun stage in between digging them out and running out of room. All those non-hosta perennials are just there to fill in until I get it filled up with hostas. This post was edited by robotropolis on Wed, Jun 11, 14 at 8:49

These people don't know from courtesy. They are the neighbors from hell. I have lived here for 10 years and get along with everyone else but these new neighbors could write a treatise on how to pi** off the people around you. I will just take a breath and pray for patience and hope for the day I can move to a house with a large enough lot that I am not pressed up against other people and can grow whatever I want. I guess we are all looking for that "greener grass" situation.

I recently went through a new installation of a fireplace. I will just caution you about all of the safety features you must adhere to when redesigning your fireplace and wall. Not all fireplaces are created equal. Just bc you see another fireplace done a certain way, does not mean yours can be done the same. There are several kinds of fireplaces and they each have specific materials and measured distances to observe etc. ask me how I know. Lol. Check your local statutes. From your photo, it isn’t easy to tell. But if that is a masonary wood burning fireplace, drywall is not permitted within 12 inches From the fireplace opening where I live in FL. Also a special fire-rated drywall is needed for the fireplace wall if using. Hope this helps. I think I posted this reply for my own benefit as I am still working on some of the details of my own fireplace wall. Best of luck.

I’m on the fence. Yes paint risers but I like the treads as they are. But, a runner would look great too! See, on the fence. If you add a runner would you just cover the treads & leave the landing uncovered? A compromise? Maybe just live with painted risers for a bit & see how they feel with use. Maybe the center bruising will either spread out or fade with wear. I think I agree with @Patricia Colwell that the railing & Newell post would lookgood with darker stain.