To add to your comments, sjhockeyfan325, I had never heard of Pacific Sales until I walked into Best Buy and saw their display. It is sort of odd - I don't recall seeing any advertising, however I don't watch tv much. I'm more apt to watch Netflix. The new display was truly amazing (not what I expect from Best Buy) - they had this huge wall interactive display - if I remember correctly it was for just one of the brands. I would love to see stores like that have an app, where you could scan a barcode on an appliance, and it would appear in a mock up of your kitchen. For kitchen design, you should be able to add a floor plan, input an image of doors/colors/countertop, then place virtual appliances. The Pacific Sales/Best Buy in Dedham also had some more mid-range brands, but those high end ones are so beautiful! By the way, I'm glad to see that others are choosing to mix up their appliances - I really think that is the way to go - different brands really do different types of appliances better. Oh, in case anyone is looking to call up the Pacific Sales/Best Buy (I wish they would shorten that name!) the salesman I was speaking with said to not call the main number - it can take a long time. They have a direct line - I just dug the info out of my purse; (781) 320-1894 (the 0 might be a 6 - sorry, I was in a rush). If anyone visits one of those stores, and wants to call the store later, make sure to get their direct line.

Food grade/horticultural grade DE usually has anywhere between up to 3 percent crystalline silica, usually at the lower end of the scale. Pool filter stuff can be composed of 30 percent crystalline silica. Silica, when INHALED, can cause silicosis and other lung problems. DE does not 'plug the breathing pores' (spiracles) of insects or other arthropods. It alters the physical structure of the exoskeleton by absorbing the natural waxes and oils. Then, the critters can eventually desiccate. The exoskeleton is an extremely important structure to these animals, and even little abrasions can be mortal. DE doesn't enter their bodies in order to do the job and it doesn't scratch them to death. Once the DE become wet, it's not of much use at all as an organic insecticide. I wouldn't hesitate on adding food grade DE to my diet, because I believe it to be safe. It's a USDA accepted additive in a bunch of the things we take. Let's not forget that Silica (silicon) is a naturally occurring element in the human body. It's essential to all warm blooded animals...for all living organisms, in fact. We usually get minute amounts in our food (via plants), but it is highly likely that the average human today is very lacking in Si. Just remember that the pool filter grade is much more dangerous when inhaled, not all all effective as an insecticide, and shouldn't be taken orally. Here is a link that might be useful: Some interesting information

My four years old queen Elizabeth rose got few black spots this year due to three reasons. 1st, I moved and replanted the rose last summer, so the rose need to re-establish the root system and no energy to fight black spots. 2nd, I pruned the rose, in spring, with un-sterilized pruner which I used for other old roses. 3rd, my area got a lot of rain this spring even in early summer, humidity level was very high. BUT, she is a such strong rose I have never seen before, I roughly moved and re-planted her last July, the end of July, she almost lose all the leaves, but she recovered herself in August and gave me a few flowers in September, and another few flowers in October. This spring, I fertilized the rose with cow manure and organic rose food, then she is blooming like crazy, regardless her black spot, one flush followed by another flush, each flush, about three weeks, has 20 flowers approximately, several flowers in between flushes, the flowers hold a nick pink color for a few days and then turn to pale pink, she never drops her head or loss her petals even with big rain or strong wind. She is a really QUEEN, I highly highly recommend the queen of Elizabeth rose, especially if you are a new gardener, or rose lover.

i just got rid of the juniper.. because.. eventually.. it started pissin me off ... life too short.. to be angry at your garden .. or any plant within it ... welcome to the forums.. its always helpful to include location ... big city name or some such.. in some places.. if not most.. this really isnt a battle worth fighting.. if in fact.. you could fight it ... in my MI ... juniper are nearly an invasive.. lining hundreds of miles of roadways ... meaning.. its so endemic.. you arent going to eradicate it.. in the neighborhood ... so whats it worth fighting it in your yard .... you dont mention if your is anything special ... or worthy of the fight ... sooo . either enjoy it as a bonus show of ma nature .... or get rid of it ... but dont waste time worrying about it ... nor.. imo.. fighting it ... ken