Turning your yard into a cave, until they blight off, break up or blow over. If these aren't dwarf lilacs they will grow much taller than they are now. However, tall shrubs or trees right next to a wood fence will probably become a headache when the fence needs some work. I suppose the shade and dampness they foster might even cause some work on the fence to be needed. Make a bed where tree(s) can be planted well out from the fence instead. If this doesn't seem like it would work maybe talk to a garden designer about organizing your spaces to meet your needs. You might even have to use an architectural solution like a gazebo, trellis or arbor if trees don't seem like they will fit.

I stopped posting in the light forum because of the few people there passing out bad information and only interesting in selling products. I have posted a lot of information that would be of interest to you in another site/forum. I can't link you there because it violates the rules here. That site/forum has a lot to do with saving seeds. Some people here knows what i am talking about. It's a non-profit organization and people there exchange seeds. dcarch

Thanks Linda. I think I probably put too much salt in myself. The dish also has capers and olives, so it is easy to go overboard. If it were just for us, I would not be so concerned. But, because it will be shared, I am a little annoyed and would like to fix it. I know you can also add sugar to counterbalance too much salt, but that seems a bit scary.

Update: I called the guy at the stoneyard (the nice, helpful one), and asked him if he could track down a remnant of a dif. slab from my lot. He did, but it won't be cut until mid next week, so I won't know if it's white/dark/etc. until then. I made sure to get the info of that fabricator, and the salesman also was calling my fabricator with the info. I just don't trust my fabricator to be honest. While I was waiting for the confirmation on remnants from that guy, I called the owner and expressed my utter dissatisfaction. Overall, I'd say that didn't go well in terms of his responsiveness. I told him I was appalled that I was asked to pay the balance. He didn't think that it was that off-base to ask me to pay since they are out money too. (Mind you I did pay 1/2 my total so far.) I made it clear that I will not be paying the balance until the job is complete and right. He's trying to say something to the effect of "Well, how much isn't done?" As if that matters. The fact is it is not done since they made errors. I don't think he was too happy that I was attempting to track down a remnant either. I again noted that my 1st slab was sold, and that I had to settle on this slab, to which he says if I don't like this slab I should have never got it. (My point apparently went right past his head.) Obviously I like this slab, but I liked my 1st slab better. I tried to explain that my deposit was put down knowing I was getting that specific slab. I noted that I also had to settle on their sink installation or risk it looking worse. I was sure to tell him about my interactions with the saleswoman. I explained that she was treating me poorly, and I'm not sure if she just treats everyone this way, or just me because I look young, have a small kitchen, etc. He said they've never had a complaint about her (who knows if that's true or not). I told him I will no longer deal with her because I will lose my cool. So anyway, I tried to install my bathroom faucet yesterday, and guess what now? The holes are drilled a bit uneven, so when I put in the faucet and handles (widespread) there's a larger gap between the faucet and cold water handle than the hot water handle. Part of the problem is the mounting piece for the faucet that doesn't give much room to center better. I think drilling the center hole a little larger will be an easy fix... But, while attempting the install of the faucet, I got to look real closely at that counter area. Apparently when they drilled the holes, they lost control of the drill and the bit dinged/gouged the sink counter 5 times between the hot water and center holes! (They are rounded divots.) They are pretty hard to see in the photo, but in real life they are pretty deep. I just can't win with this company! I can't believe I can't find any reviews online for them (positive or negative). I am tempted to join Angie's list just to see if there's any. I'm still waiting to call the owner to explain my new bathroom counter issues. I just don't think this is going to go well. I am thinking about giving him the option to work with me or letting him know I will go ahead and get a 3rd party (BBB). I was ready to let them know I wouldn't even worry about the remnant, and I'd just use that left piece pictured above. Now I think I will wait to at least see the remnant; it's only a few more days. Any new advice?