It's all good, Gal. I've oft noted the less than clearcut "northerlieness" of varied locations, like your Maine example.........and depending on which type of map one is viewing, the various types of distortions necessary to fitting all the land masses on the flat sheet of paper.....can even distort this further. But no matter. Whaas, I like Symphoricarpos too, although I do know of some folks having that plant in their gardens wishing they didn't, what with the vigorously stoloniferous habit it has. Guess it all goes down to where you have it and what you are trying to accomplish. But you're right-it is very reminiscent of the shrub genus in discussion here. I'd be more inclined to use coralberry where I wanted straight-up colonization of a portion of a site, in other words, a more naturalistic planting. I think it is native to our part of the world as well. For that matter, the white-fruited Symphoricarpos alba is quite nice too. Rina, I have to admit, I see Toronto and other Canada words in your posts and get the idea we're in similar climactic conditions, but we're still colder here, never rising above a Z5 designation. Then there's years like last year, where cold-hardiness is really put to the test here. We shall see. This is a fun topic for discussion, but that's really about all it is at this point! +om

As a Floridian, you may want to take my advice with a grain of salt. But I did go to college in Anderson, just NE of Indianapolis, and I am somewhat familiar with that climate. I'd think either of these roses could be fine, especially if planted in the right microclimate -- a warmer-than-average site, such as on the south side of a heated building, near the top of a south-facing hill (yes, I realize Indy is somewhat hill-challenged), etc. Also, even in winters when they freeze back, both of those varieties will rebloom quickly on new growth, so if you mulched them fairly heavily for winter, to protect the base, the worst that would happen is that they might start out from ground level in the spring. I'd think it worth a try.

susanjf yes baklava is very much like it and to be honest I've never had potica (or baklava either!) but if I'm in the area there's a bakery in Virginia, MN famous for them. When I'm there I'll pick one up. It's more known in northern MN as are pasties, and I'm not sure if it's pasty or pastie! (I *am* sure it's pronounced pass-tee though, not paste-ees!), which for those who don't know are a, well, pot pie without the pot. A folded over savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes and vegetables but recipes vary. Many events in the northland feature pasties as the popular food concession. As I think back one of my secretaries (years and years ago now) used to occasionally bring in a "meat pie" that her daughter made. She never shared it though! I was just watching the Two Fat Ladies (and that's their show name and trade name - before someone is "offended" that I called them "fat") where Clarissa did a pastry with apples. Not the same but similar in concept and looked fantastic. But I can't imagine having the patience to hand press the dough into a 3'-5' circle, newspaper thin. I wouldn't have the patience anyway...

When determining wainscot height in any house or room, I like to look at several factors. In addition to ceiling height, Check your window sills, and how it may line up with or above below. Also alignment with adjacent rooms or cabinetry, even existing light switch placement comes into play, so the switch plate cover is well within (or above) the paneling and trim. Follow the proposed top line all the way around the room, and see if any conflicts arise as to how finishing off the panel end and cap trim. There is really no right or wrong height, but a few inches up or down can really make a difference. In the right room, I kind of like the 5' +- height, it gives a bit of a bungalow feel, and can really cozy up a room, even if painted a light color.