I ordered from them last year, as they had some varieties you could not get anywhere else. I had heard bad things, but decided to risk it, given the low prices. Generally, the bare roots were dried out trash (but I did get one of three to survive), but the ones that come in little pots were quite healthy on arrival and did really well for me. In the little pots, I got Silver Cloud and Sequoia Twist(two Ralph Moore varieties that were not available anywhere else) and something they called Grand Chariot, which I think is a renamed version of Sweet Chariot. As a bareroot, I got a Mint Julep from them (which they call Emerald Mist), and I did -- with much babying -- manage to make that one survive. It had one cane last year and has popped one new one this year, so it will take a while to make a decent plant. Another Mint Julep and something else I ordered (forget what) died however. They are also the supplier to QVC for roses, so . . . if you were thinking of going with QVC for roses, go here instead for significant price savings. Kathy

According to the Roberta's gardening representative on QVC, peonies DO grow in Florida! Gosh I am going to get some! This is so misleading. First they danced around the issue. The host asked if there was anywhere they wouldn't grow. He said they are cold hardy. Then a caller who purchased them said "I hope these will grow in Florida." He asked where she was in Florida and she told him Clearwater. He said there wouldn't be any problem. I bet if she had said Key West he would have given the same answer. On the QVC website it says they can be grown in zones 3-8. It costs $36 shipped.

Shades of Idaho, your cabin sounded perfect. We have a silo and it is on the older side of style. I love the roof and have always dreamed of building a room by raising the roof and wrapping an exterior stairway to the top. We are fairly near a river valley and I am sure the top of that silo would bring it into view. I thought about having windows surrounding the top for 360 viewing. Just a dream though. Nancy, I like the idea of a wood stove. It would be something I'd do down the road, if the warm weather cabin use extended into fall and winter. DH and I were, once again, looking at site location and there is a spot really close to the house that could be used for this shed. Like the idea of having place for water pitcher. Moccasinlanding, love the idea of french doors. keeping the back without windows is a nice option, providing a spot for privacy. I was hoping on french doors so much. We would have to find them used and functional. I do need to do a Craigslist search. There is a lumber yard that sells windows that are returns or miss ordered. I will need to see if they have anything that could be useful for this project. I am thinking that narrow windows would work, the studs are 24" on center instead of the conventional 16". If I got something narrow, I wouldn't have to have structural headers, I don't think, because there would not be any cutting of the studs, only the cladding. I think a row of clerestory windows would be fantastic over the door, especially if I had to use a conventional door instead of french. Several of our sites would allow access to our wifi, and close to the bathroom/shower facilities. The one remote site, way north of the barn, is a good location for real retreat, and a composting toilet would be very handy. The sites close to the house, DH said we could run power to it. Like was done years ago to brooder house. I am not sure about that, as it might be bumping up against code. I want to keep this simple with regards to getting others involved in my business. Thanks you guys for the input it is very helpful in helping keeping me inspired. This isn't going to happen over night thats for sure. So I will be posting on this project now and again over the summer. This next week I will be going on my own week retreat up in Minnesota. I do it yearly. I think of it as my adult "camp" time. I loved camp as a kid. This is a Buddhist retreat, and for most of the 8 days it is in silence. Up at St Johns University in Collegeville, near St Cloud. Magnificent campus!

Lil' update- Yes, I am suspecting more than one culprit. As of today there may only be one. This am my neighbor found a LARGE feral cat in a leg trap(yes, leg traps are used widely out here- I don't like them, but other's use them). That cat will not be killing any more of anything. (now don't get pissy with me- It wasn't my home where this was caught- I might have tried to save the cat, but there isn't anywhere that would take a feral here.....no Humane Society or rescue, etc). As soon as I can get some muscle help, will lift the coop with the tractor and see 'what' might be living under it. (if it is a rattler it WILL say Hello to a 22g). One down, one to go....