I prefer that companies charge at the time of order. It never fails that I have to scramble with companies that charge at shipping every few years, not because I don't have the funds, but because a credit card has been hacked and the number changed, or I've paid one off and closed the account, or some other minor financial change that requires that I now contact all the time-of-shipping places and give them the new information. On average, I'd say it happens every 4 to 5 years. Lisa

Whatever you do, do not bid on any of ahead's auctions....I could do without the added competition LOLOL. OK joking aside, if you're interested in seeds, he has some wonderful crosses; from time to time, plants as well, so be on the look out....definitely auctions you might like to try winning! I would just jump in, as most auctions you win will leave you very happy. Some of my fav sellers haven't been mentioned here, but there are so many good sellers that a long, long list is kind of pointless. "Looking for Fashion Police, Gavin Pettit, Crazy Ivan, JellyMaker, and several, oh, who am I kidding it's MANY others that would be over priced for me any other way." Since you are in zone 5, if I were you, I'd follow Rita's advice and stay away from fall delivery on pricier/newer daylilies. I don't know where you are, but you may be taking a risk at this point. Last fall, I bought a bunch of Trimmers and Stamiles from someone I know in Alabama. This is not something I'd ordinarily do, but the deals were fantastic and, equally important, I had an ideal spot for them (south facing bed in front of a stucco wall and next to a stone patio, completely protected from oncoming storms and wind by the house itself). Every one of them survived and has flourished. However, had I not had that location, I probably would not have bought those plants. "I know the main thing is NOT to bid against fellow GW folks. Many of you use the same name, and I see you there!!" Sorry, Cindy, but my motto is: all's fair in love, war, and daylilies. My auction name is not the same as the one I use here, and I'll bid against almost anybody. :) But don't worry....I also lose a lot of my auction attempts! So if you're even somewhat aggressive, you probably will beat me LOLOL.

"What the pro builders said: architects design buildings on paper (ie, computer); we build them in the real world." You would think from your comment that the hands-on aspect of building in the real world would give a builder enough knowledge to avoid mistakes. I have not found this to be true. I find that because many builders have only learned on-the-job from other builders who learned the same way, bad construction practices can be perpetuated for decades. In my experience, where most builders have the most trouble is in lateral structural bracing, moisture control, and structural connections. Sixty to one hundred years ago, when most of the basic residential construction principles were established, materials were cheap, homes were over structured, and moisture control was simple: just kept he water running downward. Today's construction materials are fabricated to minimize material and labor costs and provide a much higher level of moisture and thermal performance. Were does a builder go to learn about these materials and how to put them together? Unfortunately, most information is available only from the manufacturers who often issue it in the form of thinly disguised advertising brochures. Only a hand full of highly experienced consulting engineers actually have a good handle on how these materials are best assembled and some of them are willing to share on the internet. Some builders pay attention to this kind information but I find that most do not. Today, to suggest that a builder is better positioned to understand the principles of good construction is simply not true. The simple fact of the matter is that few builders, architects, or manufacturers have the level of knowledge they really need to be effective. It is such a mess that I have begun to look forward to retirement so I don't have to deal with it anymore.

Not a great picture, but you get the point. This was an old sofa table. I cut the legs down and cut two holes in the table top that the pots sit in. It's just tall enough that I can fit a mop bucket tunder each pot to catch the initial water drain. Afterba half hournor so I remove the mop buckets ans and additional drips will catch in the saucers with pebbles bellow and dry out in a day or two ...it's been working well for me. And I never have to move the trees,until I take them back outside for the summer.