Paula, this is my first year to WS but I've already planted out HOS cosmos, CA poppies and peony poppies. I had multiple (!) jugs of each and left half or more jugs as backups in the event I lose the first sprouts to frost. It's always a gamble when you put something down in the flowerbeds--they're at the mercy of scorching sun, pounding rain, fierce winds, frost, slugs, invasive weeds, skunks, deer, bunnies, dogs and careless humans, among other dangers (sometimes all of those at the same time!). My take on it is, you've done them the service of winter sowing which allows so many more seeds to germinate than might otherwise get the chance. Keeping them in the jugs denies them the chance to live, grow and take all the risks that come with survival in their natural environment. Q: If they don't survive being planted out, perhaps they weren't meant to?

Well, Royce, I was happy to read that you really are not sad and certainly are not a loser! I'm wondering if part of your "dissatisfaction" (for lack of a better word) is that your goal (stated or unstated) is to produce a flower that is better than the "pros". Given that some that are introduced are no finer than some of the seedlings I see various individuals showing online in various forums, perhaps that goal is not unattainable. But, it is an extremely high bar. Why not set a lower bar, at least at first (to get satisfaction)? Such as, looking for a certain color (perhaps), certain edge (or edges), certain size, rust resistance, and certain desirable traits (high bud count, good opener, etc.). (Personally, I think an admirable goal is one where the flower doesn't take three years to settle in...I mean, we all have some flowers that bloom from the first flower beautifully...why can't we have more of those?? Maybe that's too much to hope for and too many beauties to pass by. What do I know.) Maybe you've already attained this and I am just blabbering on! Lol! I do think it would be discouraging to think of yourself as competing with people who have the cutting edge (wherever that is going) and are now three or four generations down the road on it. In addition, I gather they also share with each other, keeping the edge further sharp. I mean, if you had an advantage in a business, wouldn't you work to keep it? That's what I see the big boys doing. If it were as easy (as it probably was...even 10, 15 years ago) as it seems, they'd be passed by quickly. So, okay. Now, it can be more like the lottery (to get a lucky one from a cross), which doesn't mean it can't happen...or, you can find a niche that isn't totally explored. Of course, if you find it, someone else will be right behind you...lol! Watch out! I say, for now, decide (if you haven't) what you want. Work for it. And, when you get there, to your satisfaction...i.e., I can't make this flower any better...then rejoice! And set a new goal. Maybe work toward a line of "your" perfect flowers. Compete with yourself. Not them. They don't really matter, anyway, if you are hybridizing for yourself (and for friends). As in anything, there will always be someone with something better. Be that person, if you want. Just you define what is better. Sorry if I have overstepped. I sure you already know all of this. I just thought maybe a little pep talk was in order. Your flowers and efforts and information you share are much appreciated here. Oh yeah. One other thing before I finally exhaust (myself and anyone silly enough to read), I read where Larry Grace is back hybridizing. Surely he doesn't think everything has been explored or nothing new or different can be produced. In fact, on another forum, there were some pictures from some things he is working on. Granted, he has the ability to purchase whatever he wants (so I gather, anyway), but he's not choosing everything. There must be something to seeing in a flower new possibilities? Now, Royce, keep on keeping on! (I am dating myself....time to slink away...)

How much time do you expect to spend at your laptops in a typical day? Unless it is and you expect it to remain pretty brief, I think a comfortable, ergonomic, adjustable chair is important. Getting something suitable may save vs. spending copays for doctor and physio visits for back, shoulder, etc. issues. There might be an office surplus place or such where you can get something suitable, but if not, I think it is worth buying. If any of you are short like me, a good adjustable foot rest is relatively inexpensive and makes a difference. Storage should be able to be picked up free or inexpensive used from places like Craigslist, Freecycle, garage sales, Goodwill and other thrift stores. Bookshelves, file cabinets, a dresser to hold office supplies - whatever you need.

I know this will be hard to understand... but just looking on paper at the 2 plans I think Plan B does look like it fits nicely-nice walls, openings ,flow ,etc. If I was looking at 2 plans for a NEW home, for some reason I believe I would pick plan B. Seems more 'safe' as well. But I guess Plan A is intriguing since I have been living in this house it seems like the connection to the backyard and patio will be really used frequently and fits how we use our kitchen/outdoors. Yes there are some reservations-some mentioned above in 'what I don't LOVE about it". One of them was my concern in making that back wall with doors and wet bar "wonderful and dramatic" as cilantro says. My fear is we will try this and not get there. I posted the 3d drawing we got from a kitchen /cabinet place and it was quite underwhelming.But with crown ,trim work , proper colors hopefully it could get there. I do think I need a back window in the wet bar-we would love to use this as a 'staging area' for grilling with a pass thru and this is my 'side view ' of the yard from the clean up sink. In previous posts we tried using a walk in pantry to eliminate the 'butler type pantry hallway leading to the office, but we preferred that space open (there is a window in the office and thought that may also help keep things a little 'brighter at that side sink'. If there were additional changes to be made to improve PLAN A I would love to hear more - I know Rhome and bmorepanic helped a bit with that already. I think I would consider taking some space from the laundry room and making the mudroom a bit larger. 3 growing boys that play every sport imaginable could use lots of hooks,cubbies,etc Other things we are considering is 1)either wrapping the oven counter around into the pantry space or 2) having some framing /trim work to transition into the 'butler pantry area' so it doesn't seem like one really long hallway where you are trapped between floor to ceiling pantries on each side. On the left side we may make this a counter with cabs/drawers underneath rather than a floor to ceiling 15" pantry so we have a 'landing spot ' to either load the pantry or for our cell phones or something. Just some ideas...would love to explore more of getting plan A perfected if possible. Thanks....Sorry for the length!