I would say you are neither...(stupid or crazy). I am amazed at the number of people who say they grow them and they do well. I spent a fortune trying to find a hosta that increased in size, didn't get eaten by slugs and such, and didn't melt in the heat. And the only one I am left with is my original Walmart cheap-o that really took off once its shade tree passed away. It gets dripped on constantly in spring/summer/fall from my dripping birdbath. So, I say go for it - realizing that it's not an easy, happy go lucky plant. I do wonder if all the really high bred hybrids are right for use in Texas. Seems you might want to start with ones that are locally available. I've also noticed the garden centers don't stock nearly as many as they did a few years ago. That might be another clue too!!

sdkath, My husband and I are in the process right now. He even took on the task himself of the plumbing and electrical. that is the only thing we regret. Not because it was difficult, just a lot of work on his part working 10 hours a day and then coming home and working more. We started late July and are almost finished. What makes us think 20% is that our lowest quote was 38K and we are doing it for 20k. Ours is simple, free form, a couple rock ledges, play deck, seat, no water falls, etc. but we love it and it's going to be great for us. I agree, do your homework......Most subs are eager to help and they know all the steps them selves and know all the other subs. Take them a glass of tea, pull up a chair and talk to them about their work when they are there and pick their brain for other subs for the other steps. Schedule work for the days you can be there, Since ours was simple, each step was a one day process for each sub. A lot of PB's will help with owner builds now in our area because it's so popular. I think folks are catching on.....Make sure they have a license and get a signed agreement and quote before you start work. Never pay until all work is completed. If someone needs money up front they probably don't pay their bills and don't have the credit to get your materials. The most important part is a soils test if required in your area and good engineering for your plans. The rest of the steps are pretty simple.

I know the common wisdom is that the "Color Czars" meet and decide what the trendy colors will be, but from reading Maria Killam's blog, it sounds like it is more nuanced than that. In a nutshell, the Czars meet and come up with a color forecast which designers & manufacturers then use for their products, but the forecast is based on what the color experts are sensing of where consumers are going. So, they are trying to figure out what people are starting to get bored of and where the trendsetters are going next. I've linked to a post from "Colour Me Happy" where she describes the process. If you want more of the story, read the posts before and after, but the one linked is sufficient for a cursory read. BTW - I'm less than impressed with the newest combinations that they are calling "Pretty Ugly", but that's just my taste. Jo Ann Here is a link that might be useful: Colour Me Happy

We just got some handmade pendants at home depot and we had to go through about 13 to select the 3x for our island! Some were crooked, the glass was weird, or cracked! The last time we opened them all up in the store. So to answer your question, YES it would bother me haha! Of course with yours being custom, and from so far away, maybe you could do a workaround and make some type of trim to go at the opening and even out the crookedness? I could see it being problematic getting replacements. Seeing how picky I was w/ the home depot ones, my husband was verrry glad that we didn't do custom hand blown pendants. Me too! But yours are really soooo pretty!! :-)