Let's see, I have over 100 varieties of hydrangea, at least 300 varieties of roses, around 20 varieties of peonies, about 40 varieties of magnolia, dozens of different lupines, and more coming, about 10 or so species of poppy, about 50 different iris, 6 or 7 varieties of trillium, and that just barely scratches the surface. I should someday try to catalog everything, it might prove quite interesting! I have a friend with over 4000 varieties of roses alone in his garden. He's got tons of other stuff besides that, all on about 2 or 3 acres. --Ron

Since this is my first year to go daylily crazy, it will not be typical. I have already received 15 new ones, and I have four orders to come next month, including the Maryott's Garden that I have already amended twice. I've ordered 13 from them and there are the bonus daylilies, and the BOGO and the Specials...who knows there, the other three orders are for 3, 2, and 12. I think that's all, but I may have missed one. I also have two clematis orders coming and a huge iris order; also tulips, lilies, and dutch iris. I'm going to be very busy until they are all tucked away...sometime in November or even December. This will not be a typical year though, trust me on that. kay

I like variety. It's BORING to walk into the same bathroom for the next 50 years. Never mind to have every bathroom also look the same. Ugh. (yes, there's always reason to remodel, but this way, I'll only get tired of one bathroom at a time...and it might take longer). This means that the cabinets are all different, but when they're in close proximity, I tried to make them match and flow but not be identical. Kitchen has the same style (Thomasville Chrisi 5-Piece) but in two colors. Drybar around the corner has Ikea cabinets in the near identical color to the kitchen perimeter cabinets. Hoping to put the same cabinets as the drybar into the walk-in pantry. The main bathroom is very modern-industrial. So it has an ikea cabinet, same color as the drybar, different style. Mudroom I haven't decided. Kinda wanting something different. Upstairs bath is very zen spa-like, so it's a dark cocoa cabinet in a very modern style. Walk in closet cabinets are cheaper, but in a color to match the big jacuzzi tub right outside the room. I just like variety. But continuity. If that makes sense.

Your kempas has much the same coloration as your fir, which I bet is long leaf heart pine and not fir. How are your stairs constructed and from what wood? Wood usually looks good with other wood, unless it is colored to look unnatural. What wood you choose and what color you go for is your decorating decision. Good luck.