Hi Barb, it's good to know you can use those tea strainers. Do you use them for your AVs? Donna, I use wick to water my AVs and those trays hold the water. They're made of plastic. I don't know whether they're available in the States (I'm in 'Nam.) I love AVs. They were the very first plants that I started when we built Tuysonvien. Here're a few more photos of how I use the tray and display my AVs. By the way, I have a "gardening" blog, should you be interested to see what I grow in my corner of the world. The link is below. I would appreciate your stopping by and drop a line. Many thanks for your kind comments re my AVs. Here is a link that might be useful: My gardening blog

I don't know old irises at all. The top one is really delicate. Here's the link for hips. Lots of pretty irises! Renee Here is a link that might be useful: HIPS gallery

Laura, thanks, my camera is actually an older model Sony-for-Doofuses, auto-everything: DSC T700. I just keep half-pressing the shutter until it auto-focuses on exactly what I want to capture. I got it to replace a big bulky Sony when my baby came along and I needed a small one I could slip into a pocket and chase him around with. Still no word on the PSA site about the sale. Last year's was on July 31st in Merrill Center at Katy, Texas. Will let you know as soon as I see any more info. Bill, what is that last hibiscus, the gold and orange? It is SPECTACULAR! Sunseeker, those gorgeous hibiscus I have are in 3-gallon pots on my deck. I found them, two to a pot, at Lowe's for $7! If I overwinter them in the garage I'll easily get several years enjoyment from them, so I think they're great value and a lot of color in a small space. If you put them in the ground where the temps don't go below 30 they should come back year after year, but they'll also get pretty big. Keep them in a container and pruned and they'll be nice and compact and still bloom prolifically if you feed them frequently. They also only need part sun in most of the southern half of the country.

I have noticed that quite a few people are using the same granite on the backsplash as on the countertops, which is a very clean modern look. Not sure if this would appeal to her more than tile though, just something to toss out there, for what its worth. Otherwise, I agree the enhanced Noce subway tile would look best. And is very classic and timeless.