Hi all-- Thanks for your comments. I have already screened the trees for color--the groundcover beds are cool/glaucous foliage with white/pink/red/purple/blue/burgundy flowers, so I think all of the trees would work. Spazzycat: THANK YOU for your tidbit about redbud seed germination! That's exactly the kind of info I need. I'm already dealing with some nasty re-seeders in the garden, so I appreciate this info. Based on your comments, plus those in the Trees forum, I think I am going to go with an Apple Serviceberry (amelanchier x grandiflora). Now I get to agonize over which tree to get at the nursery, etc., etc. As before, I'll update with photos. P.S. to laag: A special thank you for your practical encouragement. I agree, I just need to go out there and do something. As a small bit of justification, let me say that it's soooooo hard being a forward-thinking gardener in our staid neighborhood. When I took out those oakleaf hydrangeas, which were a bold choice among the clipped, ball-shaped yews that dominate our neighborhood, I could almost see my neighbors giving each other knowing smirks about about the crazy lady gardener who is pouring good money after bad into her so-so garden. (Gardening is such a VISIBLE hobby, darn it!) For this reason, I really want this foundation planting to (a) look great and (b) STICK. Even so, I very much appreciate your not-so-gentle nudges throughout!

You are all so dynamic with your ideas and generosity in assisting me. Thanks to everyone. I am feeling much better than in my original post. In all of my other projects there have been hiccups which turn out to be brilliant in the end. I don't doubt that this will be one. I cherish your outside opinions to shed light on the ideal solution. There are definitely challenges. The kitchen is small, basically 2 parallel walls (10 linear ft/per) with a 3ft. "jog" at the far end for the gas range and built in conv./ micro. **igloochic- great insight in an almost identical scenario. The funny thing ( ) the corner can has been my only "good" cabinet, until of course we has this "minor" misunderstanding. **kitchenredo- I am forbade to use either a chain or table saw after my "accident"- believe me it truly did cross my mind. You king 'kidding' was an uncanny way to remind me of my great fortune. THANK YOU! Btw, Love LV- huge fan for years. ***fori- Oh my, I couldn't stop laughing. The "other side " is an exterior wall (w/ new cedar lap siding). The idea of cutting an access hole, I just LOVE! In jest, or not, for some it would be an ideal solution. FOR ME, I imagined my own personal 'Green Acres' with the closet door that opened directly to the 'farm-fresh air'. I so needed a laugh and imagery of Arnold Ziffle, Mr. Haney, Ralph and Alph on the other side of my kitchen door. Laughter is remarkable medicine. **rob_p. Thanks for the link (I'm still trying to post the link 4 my layout- not sure exactly how). I have printed it 2 discuss with my cabinet guy tomorrow with any other realistic options. I'm definitely up for anything that will work. REV-a-shelf apparently has a distribution headquartered here in Louisville. I may also. Check into their options. If it would work it would be a super quick solution. Your empathy and guidance are treasured . Thank you once again. When I figure out how to post my layout I would like to hear other specific constructive opinions. -September

OK Here is another idea, I might make a new post out of it- what about a corner easy reach that is taller than the other cabinets and extends lower than the rest- but not all the way to the counter. That way I would get more storage without the hassle of figuring out how to get the countertop installed, and just put a basket or two underneath for hidden storage of more pantry items? I know that height of upper wall cabinets is often staggered, but the ceilings are low and cabs butt up to the ceiling. Would that look weird? I don't really see any photos of that look. Thanks!

I had the same corner dilemma planning my kitchen. KD proposed 2 plans...both of the two you are thinking of....The one like the first pic you are showing where the cabinet dead ends into the wall vs the 90 degree corner cabinet as in your second posted pic...She drew up both versions for me with the window trim into account for the plan I chose which was the 90 degree corner cabinet. Four inches between edge of cabinet and window trim. Four inches of window trim. This corner cabinet with 2 doors holds most of my baking items and supplies. I love this cabinet. I keep my stand mixer under it. I chose the base drawer cabinet and it holds many other baking items. Very functional upper and convenient lower. honestly, at least in my kitchen I preferred this look over the cabinet ending into the wall...more balanced. Not quite symmetrical to the cabinet on the other side of the window but definitely ok. hope this helps.