Thanks for all the replies. My shefflera is not very big. It came from a cutting 3 years ago of a favorite aunt who passed away so it is a very special plant to us. It has two trunks - one about 10 inches tall and one about 14 inches tall. The trunks are about 2 1/2 inches apart. With that being said, does anyone have any suggestions on what they would do? Stupid question - I know I have alot of research to do - but what comes first - repotting, cutting back, or trimming roots? Also - where do y'all get your tools from? An online source? And I have a very wide array of pots, not necessarily bonsai pots, but I did start buying up pots 3 years ago at every yard sale I came accross in the anticipation of having a small greenhouse someday. Any tips on what to look for in a pot? Has anyone ever heard of a ZZ plant - it is a houseplant sitting on my desk right now, 4 trunks, growing straight up, shiny evergreen leaves. Looks like it might be a good bonsai candidate. I reckon I will go jump on google right now and research a little before work. Thanks again

The hostas seem on track. Can hardly wait to receive my new hostababies plus the new heuchies. Now for the VACANT SPACE in the Neighbors Plot garden: I have, I think, selected the mini-rose to plant in the space vacated by the death of my little heather plant. I have done research and I think that Rainbow's End mini rose will go great with the colors of the adjacent Neon Flash (very pink!) dwarf spirea bush and the beautiful heuchie Marmalade. I think I'll be ordering it from Heirloom Roses on the west coast, as they have own-root plants vs. the grafted ones. My greatest concern is whether the mini-rose will get the dreaded blackspot. Here are the 3 plants. Do you think they go together? Heuchie Marmalade: Dwarf spirea Neon Flash: Mini-rose Rainbow's End:

Thanks so much Punk, Jane, DD, Syble, MM, Luvs, Jeanne, and Lynn! I feel like such an amateur compared to you but it certainly is fun to play with dishes! One of my problems is that I got a new camera last fall and have still not become friends with it. Occasionally have to revert to using my old one. I mentioned the light making a difference because I had been taking pics at dusk and things were getting a *blue* reflection - weird. I should have explained what everything is, I guess, but I'm so new at this I forgot we all like details! I'll try to answer all questions and explain what things are. The dishes in the first setting are Shakespeare's Sonnets by Kensington. I meant to take a pic of the back and forgot. I'll have to do that. The bowls, small plates, and dinner plates each have different style cottages on them. I bot a small set at a thrift store for $5. The plain beige plates are part of an Ikea set. The silver toast warmer is vintage (family). The pottery mugs, covered butter dish, and jam bowl were YS finds as was the little creamer which is old but not valuable. The candlesticks are turned wood. The wooden handled flatware from Europe - Boda, very 70's style and we seldom use it as it must be washed by hand. Rooster and hen were really ugly bright colored things I painted to mute them down. Placemats from a discount grocery. The red/pink transferware is a set I bot at an antique store - it's Enoch Woods English Scenery by Wood & Sons. The pink platter is made in England by Booths "Washington" pattern and a thrift shop find. Last year was the "Year of the Platter" for me as I found 5 for very little. The bone china teacups were YS finds for $1-$2 each. The silver tea service from an auction cost $25. The water glasses and sherbets are vintage 30's etched glass (family), the white wine are Cristal d'Arques (Europe), and the red wine are Birks crystal (wedding gift). Lace tablecloth was a yard sale find still in package for $1. I don't have a black tablecloth, just a set of 8 placemats and a runner. I only have a couple cheap gold plastic chargers so used silver trays (family) in this setting. I need to get out the iron before I do more settings. I really dislike ironing but no one would be impressed with wrinkled linen! LOL You people are a fun group to play with - thanks for putting up with me!

OK I'll except that. I know what you mean about getting things while the weather holds out. As great the weather was all of April and early May, the last two weeks have been so unpredictable off and on rain and high winds. So glad I got my deck and other major jobs done then. Thinking about downloading that Google 3D thing, guess I should hurry before it is no longer free. Not sure if I would have a lot of use for it, but as soon as I can't get it I'll want it. Carol