I have two sides going so far--lots of seedlings going in the areas that look bare. side 1 (this was the 1st side I did back in March): And this is side 2 (I had a bunch of herbs and potatoes but decided to go above ground with those (I just threw together the wood planters from scraps we had laying around-now ISO soil): I have corn, greens, beans, and a few other sprouts coming up--I threw the straw down (from when I cleared our side yard in May) to give them a bit of shade and extra water---this side gets like 6 hours of INTENSE sun this time of year (especially this year). I have some raspberries to plant in the back corner on side 2--I'd love to have a little berry patch. But through research I've found very few varieties grow in a 10a zone (this part is all new to me) Those retaining wall planters are my next big project but the dirt is so compacted I can't even dig---but I'm thinking of just top filling it after I pull everything...just can bring myself to get rid of all my aloe and succulents that grow up in the shade. I'd love to do something vertical... (Side 1) (Side 2) This is the first year I'm doing this---I pulled the existing shrubs (2 10 year old hibiscus, a 10 year old rosemary, among others) all by hand and turned the soil myself---my husband's around to help but it's mostly a project I've taken on myself. I'd like to get a bit more organized as far as what grows where and when, more vertical growth, etc...one thing at a time I suppose. I've shown you mine--who's showing theirs? (I apologize for any typos, I didn't proofread this)

OK, looks like everyone is as busy as I am. Hate to let my sister down, as I said I would check this board every day, but alas, Tomorrow starts two (2) weeks of the state high stakes testing. The pressure and stress is sooooo heartbreaking. I teach 5th grade, I had 2 boys crying on Friday over something really insignificant, but you know it's the pressure of these D**** tests. They are so worried they wont be able to go to middle school with their friends. I've been in meetings all week signing my life away that I wont look at the test, etc. Now I have to turn in a seating chart of my testing environment, signing that they were 3 feet apart and not able to cheat. Sorry for rambling, but I really get angry, our politicians have forgotten these are children and not all children are college material. I'm going to give the next two (2) names, because this will really be a busy week.... first....triciae then... hostabuff thanks for letting me vent, hope everyone has a great week. It is starting to look like spring here, so the next couple of weeks should be great. Patty

You might want to think about finding example of collected rooms (in magazines or books) that you love, and then trying to replicate it. Not necessarily an exact replica, but it might help guide you. Just as an example of a fews styles and finishes that work well together. Moreover, we are talking now about case goods. What about other finishes? I envision a wood floor with a faded Persian rug. Your floor, window treatments, and wall treatments can carry a lot of the burden of pulling off the collected look. Not to mention, IMHO the most important part, books, art, and artifacts. To me, the collected look is supposed to say: I didn't just use a checkbook to make this room look the way it does. This room reflects my history and my personality. It has family heirlooms in it (humble or grand, its just the history that matters). It has mementos from travels (again, that could be beach pebbles or a Florentine box). It has elements that reflect my hobbies or interests (specimen boxes, books, etc etc). And, these things are combined in an aesthetically pleasing way, but the combination is driven mainly by my personal visions of the things I love. With that in mind, have you fallen in love with any pieces yet? I would start with say, the bed, and buy one I am crazy about. And take it from there. You almost have too many choices if you are not starting with a few things that are "must haves"!

Most of my favorite pieces are family antiques ... and yes, I do know how lucky I am to have these. The bed I grew up in, and the step stool my grandfather made ... he was a well known Buffalo artist ... that was the dog my mother grew up with. (And 2 of my silly kids, Lily the dog and her buddy Bailey). Same room, love the little high chair, chest and mirror. I've been trying to find out something about that chair since I haven't seen another one like it. My tempermental grandmother's clock .. doesn't like the humidity in the summer so refuses to work, and game table. The pictures on the far wall, I have photos of these hanging in my great-grandmother's parlor ... the reflection on the one is bad. My sister told me to repaint the frames, I told her I wasn't touching antique frames! My Mom tells me this is my best piece ... this was also in my bedroom when I was growing up. The glass cabinet was a piece my Mom found at an estate sale shortly I moved into this house ... she said I needed it to display my family treasures ... she was right! the clock is another family piece, this one works all year round. This was in my grandmother's dining room, she had all her china/glassware in it. My sister, who is an interior designer, didn't want it because it was "too primitive" ... lucky me!! This is a jelly cupboard my Mom & I pulled out of my grandparents basement and refinished ... it had been painted to match the rest of the cupboards in the basement. Some of my favorite things ...