Toni, Yes, what is more fun than plant shopping? Yes we had a very good time. I assume the Hoop House in NH may be heated? Not sure. They had both colors but we went for the Green Oxalis with the white flowers. The Hibiscus is for me...lol My friend can do the basics so I am trying to make it as easy as possible. I will be able to check on them, especially until he gets the hang of it. As for the help at Home Depot not knowing the info on the plants that are offered, it is so surprising. It’s not like they have to be horticulturists or have such a large variety of plant material. Plus there seem to me to be so many amateur gardeners that are actually shoppers there, you’d think they would try to hire someone like that to have some basic knowledge. It would make it more profitable for them, I would think. Well, we have four HD locally that I have visited, and one of three is better than the others. One is like the one you described. Marquest, yes, I was reminded in the HD that my friend had expressed a liking for Burro’s Tail at one point and they were small inexpensive plants. The Aloe was too cute to pass up and small. I think succulents are just the easiest, to take care of, so I really encouraged him to try a couple of small ones. Thanks for the warning on the Oxalis. It could go home for a few weeks break if need be. Mike, someone on GW recommended Lake Street to me about 3 years ago and I like their perennials, shrubs and selection of annuals. It’s about a 40 minute drive for me and closer than Logee’s in CT. I bought a very pretty variegated Jade Plant there last summer, while shopping for perennials for the garden. I was not sure houseplants were in ready supply, but they had some healthy selections and that is my #1 priority. I would go back. I have noticed they offer classes, although I haven’t found the time to do that. I haven’t been to the Chelmsford Mahoney’s. I see Weston Nurseries has a new location in Chelmsford, too. I got out that way once last summer. Here is the 'Lime Bearss Seedless'..... I'm sure you are right, Toni, that a grafted tree is the best way to go, but this is just an experiment really, to determine if my friend can provide the care. If it goes well, we would probably really enjoy getting a larger grafted plant. And you have me curious about the grafted plants that might be available. Very mysterious...(g)

The folks at this facility look pretty authoritative, yes? They're in Avon, NY. Here is a link that might be useful: Worm Power

Fencing needs to meet certain building codes and ordinances when a pool is being surrounded. Wrought iron would be prohibitively expensive when made to meet these codes. Wrought iron doesn't flex to meet the ground's undulations and that would leave gaps at the bottom and the tops might not align nicely. It is not as maintenance free as the others as it will rust, especially near the bottom. Painting will be needed periodically. Replacement sections are very expensive. Pressure treated wood and aluminum have some of the same issues as wrought iron but the material costs, replacement costs, and installation costs are substantially less. Aluminum doesn't rust either. Typically, it's a painted surface, usually black, so it looks like a wrought iron. Vinyl fencing is also lower in the costs than iron is. It comes in both different colors and patterns. Chain link and vinyl coated chain link's opening must also use a pretty tight mesh. This keeps little hands from becoming trapped. You can see through it, unlike wood or vinyl. In general, the verticals and horizontals of any fence must be tightly spaced to prevent a little one's hands, arms, or head from becoming entrapped. It must be non-climbable and most places require a self closing gate gate with a latch that children cannot reach. In general, a fencing contractor is going to be less expensive than a pool builder. One price does not fit all available options. The price for materials and installation is going to vary. Home Depot and Lowes materials tend to not have the same quality and a fencing contractor. There is a substantial delta in the construction of the materials used and installers used. Scott

There used to be a guy who advertised in the classified section of Boston magazine -- I don't have his info but I used him years ago to make a slipcover for a sofa and he did a great job. I also used the guy who makes slipcovers for Fabric Corner in Arlington, once when they were having a sale, and I thought he did a good job as well. I don't know if they have just one guy or more than one. The guys at Freddie Farkel in Watertown do a fantastic job with upholstery but I don't know if they do slipcovers.