Hi, I can send you two types of chives. I have common and garlic chives. I think I also have some catnip, too. I also have some borage if you're interested. The leaves and flowers are edible (tastes like cucumber) and they repel tomato hornworms and cabbage worms. They also attract predatory wasps and bees. I'm interested in the eucalyptus, stock, marigold, crimson clover, and spike speedwell.

Obviously, any of the Knock Out roses are easy care, but they won't look like "florist's roses," as Michael pointed out. In addition to red and pink, they come in white and a yellow (sorta--fades quickly to whiter look). The most disease-resistant hybrid tea I know is Elina--wonderfully lovely, well-shaped rose that is ivory white with pale yellow highlights. I liked mine so well that I went out and bought two more. Another hybrid tea which is disease-resistant to some degree is Valencia--kinda buff/golden shade with a touch of apricot at times. It doesn't rebloom as fast as some others, but it has the BIGGEST and most long-lasting blooms I know of. Valencia is also very fragrant. (I think Elina is--but can't quite remember.) I'm not sure you can get either one at a local garden center. For some reason, garden centers specialize in the disease-magnet roses. I got my Elina and Valencia online at Roses Unlimited (you have to order 3 minimum) and at Pickering Nursery. Good luck, Kate

Sorry, wish I could help, but I'm drawing a blank. When you said not to attract bees, that really threw me. [g] Then drought tolerant, not high maintenance. Perhaps if you start out looking over a list of spring bloomers? If you like the Salvias, I think you are right, they do have bees when they are in bloom, but I think if you are worried about kids being allergic to bees, you might want to consider whether planting a garden is the best idea. I would think, someone who is allergic to bees, has to take special precautions but doesn't expect everyone to change the plans for a whole class to accommodate them. Just something to think about.

Totally get your overwhelmed feeling. I once picked out a nice shade of blue that looked way to harsh as well. Maybe your husband dislikes it as much as you do? Maybe he doesn't want to give you the blues, but is inwardly choking on this color too? I would try to find his honest perspective and if he is in doubt too, I would really and sincerely apologize very much indeed. Then I would suggest to go for at least two shades lighter and try it out on a bit of one wall first. And indeed, keeping the lower part in step with the woodwork, I'd paint that all white anyway. Although some given ideas might soften the pain a bit, it will never become what it is supposed to be. Alternatively you could make this the room of your newborn, if he is a son, and move the living room into his bedroom... just kidding ;) At least you'll never fall into this trap again for the rest of your life.