brent in nova, we have some grass in the back yard! Its pretty yucky looking right with lots of yellow spots now as that is where all the contractor tools and equipment were placed while they worked on the slate patio and secret garden areas. I'm in negotiations with DH regarding adding some grass at the front curb area (up and down the street most everyone has grass in this spot and a city planted tree), but it would involve the expense of having aggregate busted out, and DH said he would have a heck of time getting sprinkler pipes to there. So far he's not going for this one... It was the contractor's suggestion to go with an ashlar pattern for the slate "rooms", my idea for the shape and the herringbone brick cantilevered step at the slider back door. scuba-gal, the secret garden is coming along so nice. I'm really enjoying getting plants and accessories for it, working with the children. DH will be roto-tilling the area, adding soil amendments to the hardpacked clay soil hopefully this weekend. Then we can start getting the smaller plants into the ground! The brick columns will look very cool with the stone ball finials- can't wait to see them there. DH will be building a curved top wood gate with a rim lock/escutcheon plate key entry. My brother has been doing all the electrical work in our yards, adding outdoor circuits and outlets for lighting, gazebo, pergola, fountains, pond(s) and the future garden railroad. careytearose

WOW Siam!! beautiful as always! Congrats on your canna, it is a gorgeous color!! love it!! That wild orchid is awesome!!! Reminds me of a giraffe with that coloring..omg I neeeeed that!!!! Gggrrraaahhh!!!Dang not living in a tropical paradise!!! Dang it dang it dang it!!!!!! Siam I am so jealous.. thanks for sharing!

Rita, Boy do I ever wish that the daylilies came in those shades! You never know what the future will bring though! ETOSHA is a favorite of mine (although I say that about half of my blooms I think!) It is not only pretty, but the bloom is 6+ inches. It is usually darker in color, but it is one of those "washed out" ones that I grow...warmer weather growers have a lot more color but I like my version better!

No wonder you are confused. My head was spinning after reading all of the opinions! I was following the original post, but this is my first look at your follow-up. I agree with the others about finding another shade for first lamp if you decide to use it. The present shade is too short and it is the wrong style. My suggestion would be to take the lamp into a lighting store that sells shades. There you will have some expert advice as well as the option to "try on" various shades, much in the same way that you would try on clothes to determine the most flattering fit and combination. Think of the gas you will save! These are some guidelines for shades that I have found useful: 1. Match the base  think size, shape, style, color. Your goal is to match the mood of the base. 2. Compliment the base  the shade should make the base look better without competing with for attention (like that patterned shade on the metal lamp) 3. Hide the switch  the shade should just barely cover the switch (usually the height of harp + ½ inch). Try different sized harps, or add a shade riser to fine-tune. 4. Sizing Rules of Thumb: (1) Shade height should be about ¾ the height of the base (2) Bottom of shade should be wider than widest part of the base. (3) Shade width should be approximately equal the height from bottom lamp base to the top of the lamp stem, (just below the socket cap) I like both lamps. I think either one will be beautiful, but I would not use both of them in that room. Rather than another ginger jar, it would be nice to use a different architectural form on the console. I like the console very much. I do not like the metal/glass (marble?) lamp with the patterned shade. I would look for gorgeous buffet lamps. I am thinking wooden with an antique gold finish (very simple, but elegant). These are high end lamps, but use as examples. If you want the console to appear more sophisticated, remove the dried flower wreath that is resting on the books below, and remove the wicker basket with the greens from the top of the console. Replace it with a grouping of three (the magic number) similar objects (candles, boxes, ceramics, etc.) of different height and proportion. Good luck and keep up the good work. I am amazed by your shopping energy and resourcefulness.