I do want to just mention that some colors are not as unusual as we tend to think of them. Just because the eggplants in the grocery stores are all dark purple and exactly the same size and shape doesn't mean they define the "right" color for eggplant. The varieties in the store are the descendants of the ones best suited to truck and plane shipping and mass agriculture, so they've become the iconic images in the minds of those of us who utilize grocery stores. Most of the so-called unusual colors are simply heirlooms; few have been bred recently. But I suspect plant breeders are currently actively working on more -- it's a hot trend in gardening. Just as some heirlooms are superior while others are forgotten for good reason, I would guess any new colored varieties will have to stand on their own two roots to pass the test of time.

dlm2000's idea is a good one . . . I'd add a suggestion that you tie streamers every at their eye level so they can actually see the barrier while they're getting used to it. When I border-trained my last Golden, I strung a thin cord along the property lines and tied a piece of fluorescent plastic "ribbon" (Lowes) 18" or so. The ribbons helped him perceive the almost invisible cord. He learned immediately that the cord was there and when I removed the ribbons, he still recognized the "barrier." I thought of it as canine crime tape -- I wanted him to learn that going into the neighbor's yard was a CRIME!! Incidentally, part of the training (per my obedience class instructor) involved me crossing the barrier into the neighbor's yard, and when he naturally followed, I had to jump up and down, shriek, wave my arms, and generally scare the h... out of him. Then I stepped back into my yard, went down the barrier a foot, stepped back into the neighbor's yard and repeated the scare tactic. I wasn't convinced it would work, but I only had to do it three times. The fourth time he didn't follow me. I repeated this up and down the barrier a couple times a day for a couple weeks, and by that time, he really had the idea. I left the string up for several months as a reminder, and presto . . . he was border trained. I did have the foresight to warn the neighbors that I hadn't really gone 'round the bend.

I believe you are saying that your vanity and woodwork are natural wood, and if that is the case, of course it is okay to paint the room.

So it seems that the you have a good mix. Did you allow this mix to mature for a few months prior to planting or did you plant right away? I ask because I have found that my boxes never do perfect right way, but if i start the soil in December, it will be perfect by May. I think it takes a while for the microbial life to pick back up and the N may be tied up as well. I wouldn't know what could cause you problems beyond that unless the farm compost is contaminated. Plenty of people swear by 100% compost mixes, so i wouldn't sweat the organic material issue.