Thank you - glad you liked them :) Katkin, the mama - tree was huge, definitely not a dwarf. Another interesting fact about this particular orchid tree - it has small spikes. I have never seen a Bauhinia with spikes Marcia, thank you. Hummingbirds did discover the plant - the first time I ever saw a hummer was on this powder puff. Boy, I screamed with excitement-- I grew up in Russia, and only saw pictures of hummingbirds before. I did not know they will nest in it...that would be lovely. As for the swap...well, I do not have a car at the moment, so as much as I want to, looks like I will be staying home :( I know it is going to be so much fun.. An_ill-mannered_ache : I love Prosperity. Mine is still small, and still in a pot, but what a show...Do you grow any other OGRs? Susie, I do not remember the name, and should probably look it up. I am on campus almost every day - I will run off to the gardens and look up the name of the mama tree. As the seeds are ready, I will give you some, without any trade. I also have a usual, lavender Bauhinia in a pot, if you are interested. Thanks again :) Olya

Lykaon, What a beautiful yard you have...it makes me realize I should really spruce up my edges...mine is way more "rustic", so to speak. I say "YES" to your idea on future hosta beds, you have such an excellent backdrop there for beds. What are your flowering shrubs, Viburnum? Not sure on the Thunderbolt question, it doesn't look quite like mine that I can remember (I lost mine.)....I think mine were more blue, but someone else may have a better thought. Thank you for sharing! Your beds are beautiful! I finally bought Regal Splendor last year after having it on the wishlist year after year...can't wait to see it furl out now! (Eyes are only just now popping up this week here.)

C'mon, everyone was supposed to vote for #1's!? LOL j/k. Sorry took me awhile to get back, kids have been sick so took me awhile. Appreciate all the comments/suggestions. A few of you have me seriously thinking about the "too much going on thing" on the base of table one. I can see how with chair legs and the wainscotting that it it could be look like a beavers damn down below. All of the chairs shown do come in sidechairs. I just grabbed the endchairs, but would definitely go without arms on the sides. Between tables 2 and 3, I think I like 3 better. I looked at the detail/top view of table 2 and it's got some funky curves/corners on the actual table top itself. Table 3 is from the Kings Row collection of Hickory White, as is the sideboard. Normally, I'm far from wanting anything ornate, but for some reason I kinda like the sideboard with the feet. As a few folks have noted, it would definitely need to be flanked with substantial lamps or sconces and a hefty painting or mirrior. (haven't gotten that far yet). I do like the chairs les suggested (Terri's), but the wood on Table 3 is darker and I'm not sure how the lighter wood of the chairs would contrast with the table. I'm not a fan of our lighter floors, so wanted to go with a darker wood as opposed to blending. Suppose we could do table 3, with chair 2 (sidechairs) and figure something out on the ends. I need to price table 3 and chair 2, but table 1 was $2400 and chair 1 was $510, I think the others are going down in price which is good. The buffet in the room right now is a dresser that will disappear when we get furniture. (my head is spinning). Our initial choice was going to be the following, but have heard not so great things about Bernhardt furniture quality. Also, Im not a huge fan of the rings on the legs of the table/chairs. or the scrolls on the sideboard feet, but it was liveable. I think table 3 and chair two (way top above) probably dress this room better. Any suggestions...I need therapy! Have looked at most every maker and can't make a lousy decision. Where's premier?...tell me "whats up" lol. (looking for the dining room wrecking ball)

What a great looking family you have Vikki. The big ones and the little ones. So handsome and pretty. I love the three little one all bunched up together. What a beautiful wedding. Your dress is a perfect color for your hair and complexion. Very pretty! I hear ya about the heels. No way could I wear those again in a million years.