If you're thinking of TN, definitely go for Eastern TN. I moved to Memphis 2 years ago and can't wait to move to the Knoxville area. I've done a lot of research and it seems really nice. Plenty of lakes and rivers and the state park nearby. I lived in FL for a while and if you're used to four seasons you'll definitely miss them if you move to Vegas (Christmas just isn't Christmas when you're wearing shorts). I love that the seasons here are equally spaced the only problem with Memphis is that it is so hot and humid in the summer that in July and August being outside is miserable. It's usual about 95 with 90% humidity, not fun. From what I heard and read, Knoxville is still hot but about 10 degrees cooler in the summer especially in the mountains. There's a town called Maryville which is just south of Knoxville and it seems really nice. One thing you'll have to do to garden here is amend the soil (raise beds are best)since TN has clay soil. I've heard that Maryville makes it easy because they collect the leaves and mulch them and if you ask nicely they'll give you a bunch of the mulched leaves which are perfect for creating lasanga beds. Maryville also seems to have all the major stores either in the town or nearby. The schools there are really good and I know you said you don't have kids but good schools ussually produce good kids and it's much nicer having well behaved neighborhood kids than otherwise.

Here is the URL for the Poland Creek Nursery: http://www.polandcreeknursery.com/ The URL gives verbal directions and a map. I don't think the map is very good; I would put their address in Mapquest.com and print out what I wanted. If you choose to go there via Alcoa Hwy. and Topside, you will pass within 100 yards of Honey Rock Herb Farm; start looking for it on the left after you make the right at the Louisville Post Office. It is across from the big Marina which you will pass by. Poland is mainly a tree and shrub Nursery, but OH WHAT BEAUTIFUL AND UNUSUAL STUFF THEY HAVE! Worth the trouble.....PS... the last 1/2 mile to Poland is a gravel road.

If you're needing help with hardscapes, drainage issues, retaining walls, excavations and so forth, you do need a LA. But if what you need is good landscape design and knowledgeable plant choices, you may not. Landscape architecture is an engineering degree rather than a horticultural degree, and a LA I know told me there were just two required hort courses, which he described as rather basic, to get the degree. As a consequence many LAs have a rudimentary knowledge of plant material. In my experience they often spec plants into a plan from pictures in a book. Which isn't to say that there aren't LAs that do know plants. Some really know their stuff, and you can find this out during the interview process with whomever you consider hiring. A good landscape designer may be all you need, though, and they usually come much cheaper than a LA. Marty

Thanks, Casey--that makes sense, actually. I can't figure out how to post more than one photo per post, so here is another photo. This one is of the interior--it's the main redone attic room. There is also another, smaller room up there with original details including the floor, door and the original windows (the rest were replaced). It's possible that part of it could have been maid's quarters, although the house seems sorta small for that. Who knows. There is also a full bath up there. The seller of the house won an award a few years ago for saving the house from destruction. Apparently it was in really rough shape. He was unable to save a lot of the period details due to the extensive damage, but he saved as much as he could, including some of the original hardwood, the original mantels and a few other things. On the one hand, I'm sad that more original features are not there, but on the other hand, he did a very nice job with his choices and he did bring back most of the original high ceilings and take it back from apartments to a single family home. His real estate agent lived on the street during the time this was done, and she said it was in really rough shape. Apparently the preservation society thought this was one that was beyond saving--and look at it now!