They have a ton of bare-root stock, piled in big boxes for a couple of dollars each. (They were $1 each the first year I went, $2 each the next, so I don't know what they'll be this year, but cheaper than they normally would be!) A lot of them are spring plants, so you are taking a bit of a gamble getting them in late June and trying to plant them -- I lost a few things, but others did fine, just didn't do much the first year. They also have all their shrubs 1/3 off (I think that's how much) but it's the bare-root bargains I go for. I always take their spring catalog with me, so I can look up things since it's all just in big crates and boxes with the botanical name. There are people to answer questions, but never enough so it helps to have the catalog in hand to look something up. Under the tents they have a lot of their other stuff -- gloves and planters and the like -- all pretty drastically reduced. Tools, too. I've gotten quite a few bargains there, including a sun meter (tells you if a spot is "full sun" or "partial sun" or "partial shade" which was $5 and which I've seen in other catalogs for $30, as an example. I was willing to try the gadget for $5, but would never have paid $30 for it! If you go, get there EARLY, bring a friend and/or a wagon (yes, they DO run out of wagons almost immediately).

Michelle, After I left Avon, I went to Dollar Tree in Norwood where I had previously purchased these wire hanging planters and that straw kind of stuff. The planters and straw were of course $1.00 each but they were all out. They called around for me when I mentioned the Children's Hospital and the Alston store had 10 left. I drove over there and scooped them up. I'll bring some potting mix on Saturday and maybe we can do something along the lines of buy the basket with "straw" for say $5.00 along with the plants and we'll plant it for you. Try to catch Dads with kids and get them to buy them as Mothers' Day gifts. The kids could do the planting themselves if they want - I have some of those disposable gloves. This way they can customize what they want and tell their Moms "I made it myself". Could try the same concept (gimmick?) with the pots. Maybe you could ask your husband if based on his experience this would work! It was great to meet you and the so, so nice people at Cosco. I'm looking forward to next Saturday.

Hi defrost…another early bird. :-) I'm adding to my houseplant collection this winter, which is pretty depleted. Some winters, I just have no interest, but this year I do, probably because this summer my garden time was minimal. Right now, I have some succulents that need repotting and I'm looking for decorative, ceramic probably. I'm going to try to find some shallow pots in a small to medium size for now. I have larger ceramic pots, but they seem like the wrong shape and size. By the way, if anyone knows who sells the best houseplants, besides Logee's in CT, because I haven't got time to take a trip there. I usually end up at Russell's and I stay away from Mahoney's, so I'm looking for somewhere new to try.

I am so disappointed to hear this. I agree that it would be strange to see the exact same pattern on both feet -- especially in this style which makes the pattern so prominent on the foot. Ive been on the fence about ordering another size after my size was sold out. I had planned to get a wide to allow room for socks but I have a pair of boots where I did the same and my foot moves around in them too much. I think I am going to pass. It's a shame though because I find the other snake patterns too small and too busy. I haven't had time to shop for other styles but I think my next focus will be a pair of light gray suede pointy toe booties. I am also tempted by the blondo waterproof booties that don't LOOK like rain boots. Ive had fall shoes out all week-- I worked at home on Wed when we had 90+ temps but the rest of this week has been pretty darn cool.. my heat came on this morning! It's time.. it's time for new slippers too!