I figured it wasn't when I saw that picture. Kind of irked me too. But what is one to do? *sigh* Nothing I can do about it now really. It's in the ground planted. I haven't a darn clue what it is, about ready to go back to Lowes and chew them out though. So disappointing. I certainly won't be buying another there. And they cannot use the excuse of the wind blowing the tag off it, it was elastic banded onto the bamboo trellis! Oh well, In South Dakota, not really any nurseries I can go to, so I'm stuck with online services. LoL Sad really. Whatever I guess. :) Thanks though. I'll just trellis it, keep it as Unknown. *chuckles* ~Tina Marie

I'm short on time today but I didn't want everyone to think I had bailed. I'll work from the most recent post back. Rhome is correct. The squares are 2x2 so the dishwashers are 2 ft, the fridge and freezer are 30" each, the sink area is 48" but I will probably use a 36" farm sink. Microwave placement has yet to be decided, since this is a very preliminary drawing but I was thinking in the island. I have concentrated the items that will get the most use...range, fridge and sink at one end of the kitchen, so that there is no need to go round and round the island, or at least that was the idea, other than an occasional trip to the freezer, which in our current house is in the basement, so I don't think I will mind a few steps. Our current kitchen is 12'6"x14 and excluding the prep sink and the fridge (which we don't have in this kitchen) is almost the exact same setup. Our current island is 7' and the work area is concentrated on one side. I located the fridge in this area so that anyone coming in for just a drink would not get too much in the way. Kelbrad, thanks for the link. I will check it out later this evening, along with researching what other options are out there. ChapNC. I am working in excel, using a graph paper template that is 2'x2'. When I drew the bathroom I had a shower on that outside wall, but then thought that a tub would be a better idea for a guest room. However, I failed to lenghten the room to accommodate a tub. Thanks for pointing this out, as I had missed it. meldy nva. I will look at the kitchen again. I'd prefer the laundry near the kitchen, as that is where I spend the most time and makes switching out a load or folding more convenient. The master is large, but as mentioned above, we do have several pieces of furniture. We could definitely make do with smaller. Do you have ideas on how to rework that end of the plan and still access the guest bedroom? I would love to see your ideas. Rhome410, I really like your kitchen layout. It is similar to what I have drawn and I am happy to hear that it works for you and your family. It gives me hope that mine will work someday too. Okay back to work now. I will try to address the rest later.

Inspired - Love what you did with your kitchen. It all flows together beautifully. I love those custom colors - It is so much fun figuring out the color that works. Great job on the toe kick areas, island, and more! Now, how about some interior drawer and cabinet pictures. Congratulations! A2gemini

Yes, you over-did it...but we all have to learn and make many mistakes as we gain some experience. You don't have to go crazy and buy expensive mixes - you can make your own for much less. I do not use pumice because it is hard to find (and costs more $). I use chicken grit and sifted perlite in approx. equal amounts. To this, I add little turface (between 10 and 20%). Or, you can use some C&S soil, or cocopeat. I would use either in similar amounts as turface (but not all 3 together!). If you have pumice, you can use it instead of perlite. Reptibark can get quite pricey too if you need lots. I use bark sold for orchids, but only for CC. I stopped using bark for succulents, because it is difficult to source and/or pricey too. While I like to look at pics of arrangements like yours, I do not do them. I have several large pots but with multiples of same plants. I may do some in future, but probably much less variety. With so many different plants (some could prefer more or less light, and also water) and packed so much so close together, I always envision more chances of disease spreading, and plants growing and in need of repotting at different times....but that is just my opinion!!! Many certainly look good. I think your "messed-up" mix could be salvaged. I would sift it using a window screen or kitchen strainer to get dust and smallest particles out. Most of us here do not use sand - it is usually too fine, and sooner or later it compacts and interferes with drainage. As you found out:..."Down about 2.5 inches was the sandy loam that was still quite damp, compacted and hard"...