Responding to CheloneÂs comments; it is clear that our basic philosophies are somewhat divergent in some areas. That is just fine. One of the delightful aspects of visiting otherÂs gardens is witnessing the wide variety of approaches taken. I found out, long ago in my youth, that much success in life could be gained by watching what everybody did and then not doing that. Call it an aversion to the lemming factor if you wish. However, this practice, (in thoughtful moderation) has served me well. Perhaps Robert Frost articulated this concept best with his oft quoted words: " Two roads diverged in a wood, and I  I took the one less traveled by and that has made all the difference." A look of beauty and bounty is too often attempted with silly busywork. Efficient, effective horticultural choices and practices need not assume a Luddite appearance  quite the contrary! I firmly believe that an active mind can  and should  replace much of the needless, repetitive labor performed in far too many landscapes. Quite frankly, too many substitute labor for thoughtful design. I know that it is a popular belief that: "Sometimes you have to make compromises to have something that pleases you aesthetically." But of course, subconsciously deferring to human nature, we always have a strong tendency to justify our actions after the fact rather than giving serious consideration before initiating the action. Is this plant the ONLY plant that offers esthetic stimulation? Is it REALLY the best choice or is it just a popular choice? Too often we lapse into believing that we live in an either/or world when the reality is that there are many fine alternatives. As to "routine digging/division of herbaceous perennials"; I align myself with Lauren Springer in a recent article in Horticulture Magazine where she emphatically states that this practice is both unnecessary and generally undesirable. She strongly urges gardeners to stop doing this because it robs landscapes of that wonderful, esthetic quality: maturity. I am not advocating a landscape design that requires "no work". I am not aware that is even possible. Please take note of a key phrase from in my earlier posting: Will this project require ongoing repetitive infusions of labor and/or money after it is established? I believe in putting in additional monies and labors (once) up front so that I do not have to later provide these on an ongoing basis  much like Tracy DiSabato Aust recommends. Is this a condemnation of your methods? Absolutely not. It is merely a different approach. As the old saying goes, Many roads lead to Boston. However, it should be clear that had many, many of the postings on this forum pleading for help to solve a dire problem could have been avoided all together if good design practices had been included at the very beginning. IronBelly

Thank you all again for your feedback. I think we decided to go with tumbled travertine in a white/beige color for the backsplash instead of the brick. Couple questions: - For a small space would you recommend small brick shaped tiles, brick shape and size tiles, or square tiles? We don't want to do the real thin tiles. -We are thinking about square porcelain floor tiles, placed in a diamond shaped pattern because we understand that will make our small kitchen appear bigger. If we do a square tile backsplash would you place them in a diamond pattern as well to match the floor pattern? -We are thinking of a medium beige color floor...the floors we have are original to the house and have to go! We can't do wood because of the way the kitchen is laid out with the rest of the house where we already have wood. Thanks in advance!

^Agree with eld6161. First priority is the baby (congrats!). Use one of the secondary bedrooms for the nursery. Next is your husband's gaming space and a distant third is entertaining overnight guests. I know the need to nest is strong, especially during pregnancy, but I don't think taking on the basement rehab now is a good idea. As mentioned above, put those guests on a sofa bed or in a nearby hotel until you get the basement reno done - after the baby is born. Do the basement reno when time and budget permit which may be longer than a couple of years :)

I have gotten hostas at NH hostas as well which were good. This year I have ordered many plants from Land of the Giants. Some were pricey, Giantsized Liberty and a new Giantland hosta Elegance, a stunning new upright yellow with white undersides of the leaves. They may be a bit pricey but I found what I was looking for and I understand they have a good reputation. They are close to me so I hope to visit if I ever get my hip replacement done.