That quick? I thought it would take a couple of weeks! I am planning on covering my raised bed with clear plastic this weekend in order to get the soil to warm a bit more. I've considered making a plastic bent-pvc cold frame over the bed, but I'm actually a bit worried about that too. If it's over 70 one day I'm worried it'll get too hot and when it's 40 won't it still be too cold? Or once their hardened off, will they be okay unless it's under freezing? Would covering them with plastic in late afternoon keep them from getting too cold at night - once they are in the garden? Can you tell I've never used transplants of early-season veggies? :-)

Dig up more lawn? They'll be fine. They won't become crowded the first year or so anyway, & in your zone you'll probably lift them each winter. Cannas look beautiful when they're "shoulder to shoulder": they make a sort of lush green tropical arrangement. If they spread too much, you'll have some to share!

I think your decision to cancel was wise. You will be much better off if you choose your appliances based upon features and performance criteria that match your needs, and not simply one manufacturer's. I do not have any experience with Viking, per se, and cannot comment on their performance or reliability from that standpoint, but there have been plenty of problems reported with them here. That anecdotal info would be something I would take into consideration, personally. Stainless and custom color options on many of today's appliances, as well as the option for custom, cabinet-faced, built-ins, pretty much allow cooks to pick and choose what they want with the knowledge that it will all go together fine. For instance, our kitchen features Miele Speed Oven and Coffee system, Bluestar range, GE Monogram range hood, Bosch Dishwasher, and an LG fridge. About the only matching I tried to do was after I saw the Miele speed oven for the first time paired with the coffee system. That was a look my wife and I liked. Turns out the Miele speed oven has become a real "go-to" device around here (I don't even turn on the big oven unless I am making pizza or something huge like turkey) So yeah, I would focus on getting the best example of each appliance you need rather than trying to shoehorn all of one maker's wares into your new kitchen. Best of luck!

I am not sure why your neighbour hates her FL machine but I have used a front load washer for more than 10 years. Never a problem. You do have to rethink how you wash clothes with them but most of them clean and rinse much better than traditional top loaders. There is a very little bit of water used for washing and some people can't get past that (mentally). Even my new Miele uses less than my previous Frigidaire and it's an adjustment. I'm not a fan of these HE top load machines. Not sure why exactly. FL technology has been around forever in Europe and I just think it's more time tested. I had a Frigidaire pair for 10 years and when the bearings started to go on the washer I bought the Miele W4842 and gas dryer (I've had them a short while). Not in everyone's budget - but just excellent machines - thoroughly enjoying them. I did narrow my search down to Miele and LG. There are some nice LG machines at Lowe's. I spent months reading and researching and if I hadn't purchased the Miele I would have purchased the LG (FWIW). This model was not yet available in Canada but it would have been top of my list. My parents have brand new entry level FL LGs they purchased from Lowe's (after all my mom's years with a top loader). She tells me she is very pleased with her new machines. Good luck! I know how hard these decisions can be. Here is a link that might be useful: LG WM3360