I can't say about a particular variety, but the plain old sweet williams I have do fine with a trim after bloom. Sometimes I get bit more bloom even. I've had mine for years, once or twice they get a bit thin & I let them go to seed. They reseed & get another burst. I have thought maybe cutting them back helps them come back each year, maybe not.

Speaking as someone who's been through the good, the bad and the ugly in terms of remodeling: I'd definitely demand an itemized quote and a written contract,specifying everything that is to be done and establishing a delivery as well as payment schedule. You pay as the work gets done (or each phase of it). Not before. In most states the law allows the contractor to charge up to 1/3 upfront, for material and payroll, so it would be very difficult to get more than that from me, without explaining and itemizing. I'd get quotes for more than one contractor before signing up for anything. Ask neighbors, friends and coworkers for referrals. Check all the bidders for compliance with state certification, licenses, insurance etc...(Most official state websites allow you to check contractors over the internet - go to your local government site and search for words like contractor or consumer protection) Ask the contractors for references and actually check them. Check the local BBB chapter to see if there is any complaints filed against that company and try to find out how many years they've been in business. Most home improvement companies go out of business in about 5 years. So if the company is in business longer than that, chances are they know how to conduct business and will be there for many years still to honor the warranty they give you on their services. The services you are contracting, depending of the finishing materials, fixtures, embellishments and appliances used, might be well worth the $96K. I also found out that the "cheap" can cost you more down the road. Unreasonably low quotes, might be a sign that the contractor is either about to deliver a lousy job or has no intention to deliver it at all. However, no one would be able to get 96K out me, without a very, beyond reasonable doubt good reason.

That is a whole lot. :( I am so sorry for you, your Mom and your family. Sending loads of healing thoughts and prayers that your Mom can pull through all of this, and that you and your family have the strength to deal with this huge plate of bad news that you've just been given. ((((all of you))))

The ICE list is a great idea. I had a friend, who one day told me she'd spent 4 days in the hospital. I remember feeling the same way you did. So, she told her daughter to be sure and call me if it ever happened again. One morning three weeks later after making deliveries I returned home at 8:15am to the most awful message. Her daughter had called around 7:30 even before EMS got her mom to the hospital. I was really grateful for the call, but it was already too late. Once a year, I ask here on the forum "How would we know if something happened to you?" in hopes of putting on everyone's mind the thought of making those arrangements. I didn't ask at all this year. I guess I forgot but sure am glad you brought it up. Also very happy your friend is back home and on the mend. Glad you will be contacted if need be in the future.