I started seeds on my first "large scale" operation last year and had really great success. Previously, I'd done two-four trays (72 pack jiffy starters) on a card table in my home office, which was north facing with one small window - horrible light. To supplement, I bought two small florescent fixtures from wal-mart, maybe 16 inches long, probably meant as under-cabinet lighting, with just regular florescent bulbs, both were less than $10, and my husband nailed some scrap 2x4s together so I could suspend the lights from them over the trays (at a fixed height, not adjustable, as I didn't know any better). I did this for several years, and while some of the plants may have been a little leggy, I had no idea what I was doing so didn't ever notice. They all grew when I put them in the ground! I left the lights on most of the time, as florescents are pretty efficient, and I kept the door closed to the room most of the time (cats would chew the seedlings) so I'd forget to turn on and off. Also, I never potted up, I just grew them until they were taller than the lights and the weather was right and plugged the peat packets right into the ground. Again - probably not optimal or the "right" way but it worked for me! Last year, I wanted to go bigger, so bought a $45 wire five-shelf unit at target from the storage aisle, four shop lights from Lowes with daylight-temp regular florescent bulbs (not grow lights, just the Kelvin color for daylight), and a timer from the lamp aisle. Total about $100, plus I bought more 72-pack jiffy starters and I could fit three trays per shelf (only used four shelves) and put the whole shebang in my dark garage. I'd start two trays at a time on my kitchen counter and waited for germination of a few, then moved to the garage (unheated). Worked great, most if not all germinated, and my problem became having enough space to pot up and find place to put the potted up plants! My only other expense was an inexpensive heat-mat off ebay from some guy who makes them custom length and they are mostly used for reptile cages so they were cheaper. Can't remember the cost, but I got one cut to fit my lowest shelf, put some cardboard between it and the wire shelf, and got 100% within-a-week germination on my peppers. That may have been overkill, I was just nervous about having enough heat in the garage or kitchen (we keep the thermostat at 67 day, 62 night). Hope some of this rambling helps!

Lavender - I didn't mean to waste your time... I'm sorry that my wording was so terse here. I've been trying to steer the conversation away from banquettes to other options. I'd previously said: "banquette seating is not desirable" "Unless we fall in love with some kind of banquette (unlikely)," "Sorry to say, but no matter how many times I bring this up, my wife is not into the idea of banquette seating" "But I"m telling you, the banquette is a stretch. It's going to be a hard sell -- we don't usually even like sitting in booths or benches in restaurants!" I'm not saying we'll never come back to the idea.. but for now I want to focus on what other options might exist. In fact, this would have been nicer phrasing than "I'm done talking about banquettes" so I apologize. I am still interested in trying out different island shapes and/or places to stick a table, in search of ideas that allow seating for 5 and better flow -- things like the oval at the end of the island, or the table against the wall, for example. I'll post some more examples later. Thanks again for all the help and suggestions.

Sassy - in my area (midwest US) a refinisher is not more than a new kitchen. My mother had some of her cabinets refinished because they had some steam damage. The refinisher matched the stain, and I cannot tell which cabinets have been refinished and which have not. My sister had most of her cabinets done before she put her home on the market. I did mine myself. I would ask for references from your local reputable paint store and get some estimates. I also retained the vintage feel of my kitchen - so happy I did:)

over fertilization may cause them to not go into dormancy properly ... if that lush green growth doesnt properly harden off ... i would probably stop watering them now ... and try to start to slow them down ... if zone appropriate... they do not need to be protected from cold ... they are not children that need to be swaddled ... where did the seed come from???... local? the problem with the garage.. is that it is probably 2 zones warmer ... and maintaining dormancy might be an issue with a warm spell in the dead of winter ... or cause early growth.. before frost or freeze is over ... easiest way ... in late nov .. place in full winter shade.. and just tip the pot over.. so it doesnt accumulate water when the pot is frozen solid.. like the ground ... roots wont care about the cold.. but they might die frozen in an ice cube ... does anyone know.. does seed from a weeping tree.. actually give weeping seedlings???? you are on the verge of loving them to death ... try to avoid that.. treat them like the trees they are ... [and.. they are not houseplants...] ken