Aha, BKay, you were the very one I pictured myself talking to about this book. I'm so glad you were hanging out today. Enjoy. I noticed on 2nd look, the remarks about H. ventricosa includes this statement on page 27 (a caption) : "When shaded from afternoon sun and grown in average garden soil, H. ventricosa becomes quite drought tolerant and truly maintenance-free. This hosta tolerates heat, humidity, drought, clay, sand, and even a little alkalinity better than most hostas do." Pretty high recommendation I'd say. Tried and true, very durable....I need more like that.

FWIW, I have had nothing but trouble with B&D stuff, the final insult came when I installed a B&D under the counter can opener that was actually very "Avant Guard" looking and folded up to show just a smooth front end. I had to clear my cabinet of everything and then drill holes in the cabinet to install it (no problem)! After about a little over a year it just wouldn't cut the cans open, would stall, heat up and quit. I contacted them by phone and this was my answer, well, how long did you expect it to last a year is a long time! I mentioned it to my neighbor and he said the cutting wheel wasn't tempered are heat treated, he took it to his shop and did these things and it cut very well for about another 6 months than the motor burnt out! All this headache for a top dollar can opener!! It now resides in trash can hell where it belongs! This is not the only B&D product I had that went bad. Maybe it was coincidence or whatever but I feel a little more than put off by that company. Sorry for the ranting, just my opinion.

I am trying to figure out window treatments for my entire house with very little luck. The one decision I have been able to make is that I want cellular shades that open from the top or bottom in the bathrooms. I found very good prices on a website called selectblinds.com, but they seem to be their own brand. I wonder if anyone has had experience with this site - are the shades good quality? Thanks so much!

I really like the LR color and the flow of colors you have throughout your house. Maybe it's because my LR and DR are the similar to your LR. My lighting is similar to yours. I have eggplant, teal, and orange incorporated with my accessories such as pillows and art for which that color works perfectly. Not every neutral color works well in that type of lighting, It took a whole lot of samples some of which are highly used and mentioned on GW to get it right for our rooms including many of the grays. When my neighbors and friends come into our home, the first thing they compliment is our wall colors. They want to know what we used. You'll see when it's all said and done. You will have the same reaction. I think your color consultant did a great job for you. Have fun decorating. My only suggestion is that you keep all your furnishings neutral with fabrics that have textures and have fun bringing in all the colors with your accessories and art. You have a beautiful home.