Mskhanson, I've found that the bigger the planter, the bigger the coleus gets. When planted in the ground, they really get big and full. Imho, in your zone, I wouldn't plant any in full sun, and would avoid afternoon sun. You said your planter is 6"x24". How deep is your planter? They can get good size root systems if given the room. If it's 6" wide, well, that's not very wide for these plants. Myself, I'd probably plant only 2 of them in there. They do get bushy. I have planted coleus in the ground that have gotten only 2 or 3 hrs of dappled morning sun and the rest of the time shade. They grew, but they didn't get as big as ones planted in the ground that got at least 4 or more hrs of sun. Btw, I've had both kinds you mentioned and I was pleased with them. Just remember to not let them dry out. They'll wilt bad. Sometimes mine will wilt during hot, sunny days, but when the shade comes, they'll perk back up. Just because they wilt, doesn't mean they need water. They're conserving water by wilting. Other plants will do that also. You can stick your finger in the soil to see if they need water or not. Good luck and enjoy! Kat

"How else would they know so much about all these different brands and manufacturers to speak so "expertly" on such a wide variety of them?" Oh that's easy. They're interested in garden and lawn tractors and tend to read up on everything they can on the subject, even though they don't own a particular brand and model. As Justalurker said, ral knowledge comed from actual ownership. There are a few on this forum who have owned most every brand in existence, but I think most of us are repeating what we have read from actual owners. I, for one, like to read up on the top-of-the-line GT's because they represent the best you can buy, and I like to see how well they handle different attachments, especially the ground engaging type. And what features they offer like power steering, locking diff, diesel power, hydraulically actuated deck lift and ancillary equipment (attachments). I have perused many different brand-dedicated forums to acquire this info...it's like a hobby that doesn't cost anything (until you actually buy something that is). However, I have since pretty much gone to the "dark side" and will sing the praises of the ZTR to anyone who will listen, now that I own one and see how efficient (and fun) they truly are. However, I won't try to ram them down anyone's throat....especially on a "Lawn and Garden Tractor" forum:) I must say though it is some members on this forum that have helped me to "see the light"...LOL! I have a lawn tractor but it just sits there like an old Farmall tractor put out to pasture while I go whizzing around on my ZTR ;) I have a Japanese compact tractor to handle the tiller work, and so I will never go back to lawn or garden tractor to cut grass...and that's from actual experience.....I would be tempted to pick up a nice JD 445 GT at the right price though :)

Have decided that ten just will not do has to be the top fifty at least... lol. visited Korths about a month ago and his seedling beds are FANTASTIC. Phil and his wife have some exciting new babies and some of the babies have babies. It all just takes your breath away. Just bought Painting the Roses Red... it's so wonderfully toothy. also Flame Resistant a new Hensley intro it positively glows with the orange veining. Sorry to say tho... I have contracted the deadly Daylily sickness, I have to stop looking cause I buy buy buy.

Like many new home owners, it appears you would like to minimize your cubbies while staying within a reasonable budget to work on other projects in your home. That being what I've gleaned here, the cubbies can easily be minimized, as is, with adding minimal items to each (perhaps a few books stacked vertically, etc) while building up the fireplace front. Pinterest & houzz have dozens of photos and one I particularly like for you is a traditional (why change, it's timeless) white wood painted front, including mantel, perhaps going all the way to the ceiling. I am not able to paste it on this site so check those sites for visuals. This would provide a wow factor and within a reasonable cost.