I would not do plaster again. It was so mottled, plus it cracked, that I tore it out after 2 yrs. I have brand new 1 day old pebble sheen and so far, I LOVE it. I would not use a busy mosaic tile. I replaced mine with simple pool blue midcentury square tiles. I would not rush the design as stated above. I had a highly qualified landscape architect help me with the remodel and it looks fabulous (I think). I lengthened my pool to a 60 ft. long lap pool. I am glad that I paid the extra $ for this.

There is a lot of passion here. Rightfully so. Rose gardeners are especially passionate people. We attempt to learn, are not afraid to act, and enjoy doing. What I have found, in this antique rose forum, is that I am able to learn from others here, read their perspectives, then take action in my own garden in order to create my own experience. Conversations about roses within this forum are wonderful, but the magic happens in my own yard when I apply what I learned in the conversation. I believe the same can be said for this particular thread. Talking about our different political perspectives is interesting. But the real magic happens through our actions, regardless of where we stand on the left or on the right. This can be something as simple as supporting a news organization that aligns with your own perspective or signing petitions. It can also be more involved and personal, such as volunteering your time and expertise. Regardless of where you stand politically, you can see an area of need within this current political climate and choose fill it. Even being just one person, we can each make a difference. That is obvious within each of our gardens, as we cultivate the soil. We can also cultivate change in other areas of life too. I said this previously, but I volunteer at the VA hospital, at community kitchens, at an elder life program at a local hospital, and also by speaking to youth and women's groups about health and fitness. I do this because I see areas of need within populations of the elderly, veterans, and women and children... areas I have skills and knowledge in. Even though I was a single parent for many years, even though I work, and even though I am going back to school. I find the time because it is important to me... and each time I volunteer I leave feeling as though I have gained more than I could ever give. I also feel as though I am taking actions based on my beliefs and making a real difference. I volunteer side by side with other democrats and republicans with many different political views. But we each saw an area of need and chose to fill it. There is common ground. Regardless of my own political views, regardless of the political climate, regardless of the political choices being made in our country and others, I choose to be the change I personally want to see in the world. I am only one person, but my actions matter. I believe each of yours do too. The people within this forum are absolute do-ers. I completely believe in each of your abilities, because I have seen what you can each do in your gardens... and I personally believe the same life skills from gardening translate over into so many other areas. Action for change can be small. It doesn't have to be something that burdens you. It can be uplifting. Here's a quick article with ideas of different ways you can be politically active. I especially like #18-25. http://www.cnn.com/2016/11/15/politics/ways-to-be-more-politically-active-trnd/

Deanna, Gardenia is one of my all time favorites! I won't be able to grow it outdoors here either, but what I did do a few summers ago, was I bought a small plant and used two of them in my outdoor pots for the summer. It was HEAVENLY! I did try bringing it in the house to overwinter, but I just don't have conditions they like. And this season I was going to do it again and I got busy and forgot! Next year for sure! They do grow well outdoors in a pot here, because it's plenty hot and humid enough for them. Martinca - I remember that thread about how difficult they are to grow, but I thought it was as an indoor houseplant? They aren't hardy enough here, although like Camellias there may be some varieties that have been recently developed. But in the south they are no care at all, as you pointed out. Before I had children, and no outdoor garden my mother loved Gardenias so we tried to grow them as houseplants. We did finally manage to have success with them, but it really was a project! [g]

My wants (and mostly gots) for my small kitchen: all base drawers, including a 15" drawer/pullout designed to hold 2 bins (cat litter sized bins) - one each of dog kibble and cat kibble. 2 shallow drawers above the dog/cat food section for my more frequently needed tools, tape, clips, pens scissors, matches, flashlights first aid etc etc. Floor to ceiling pantry with one shelf dedicated to a microwave, interior drawers instead of flat shelves (3" sides). Deep over fridge cabinet, where I keep my cookie sheets, pie and cake and muffin tins; rollout basket up there too for random things which allows me to see the stuff without pulling it all the way out (from Ikea). Custom sized corner cabinet with easy-reach door (smaller than standard, with one side wider than the other.) Trash/recycling/compost pullouts in the sink cabinet (offset drain and smaller garbager disposal make that work). I do have a 9" spice pullout which uses otherwise wasted space, and a matching 9" upper cabinet where my boxes and tins of tea and drink mixes live.- that was the most efficient design for me. Cabinets to the ceiling. NO built in organizers, just aftermarket items that allow me to rearrange and adapt. A 4 stack drawer unit sized for things like 1) dish towels, napkins 2) foil saran, parchment paper, baggies 3) smaller storage containers/lids 4) random other kitchen accessories (drying mat, extra potholders, and so forth) What I would change? I have 3 deep drawers in a 35" wide stack. I would change the top drawer to 2 shallower drawers (or do a drawer-in-drawer) for more efficient organization of my silverware and utensils. A drawer-in-drawer might be nice for my pot lids, too, but the aftermarket organizers really are fine. I sort of wanted toe kick drawers (once I heard about them) but really don't need or miss them. I sometimes regret the design of the corner cab because there are no easy-access devices to fit its smaller size - but I still prefer having the larger drawers that the small corner made possible. I strongly second Chispa's tip about making sure the drawer glides and bottoms are heavy-duty. ETA: frameless/ Euro style