I'm one of those Birks types who like to DIY and therefor won't spring for the big bucks for a professional landscaper but I wonder how many Doctors actually attend home shows. I've known a lot of Doctors and don't think this is how most would find you. More likely to hear about your outstanding work from a fellow golfer or at a social function. Perhaps thinking outside the box includes finding ways to attract your chosen customers other than the home show. I do have retail experience as a business owner and know many wholesalers no longer do the big trade fairs due to the exorbitant costs. More effective ways to find clients. I occasionally go to home shows but I'd only look at a landscaper's display for ideas. Anyone interested in a fairy garden IMO is likely not a potential customer. I've done one myself and it's more a creative/DIY/T2T effort than something one would pay a professional for. As a home show attendee, I would not step inside a big container. I think you might be able to make 3 rooms in a 10'x30' space using fabric. Make them like tents with fairly high ceilings and showcase 3 different types of gardens. Put scented flowers in one, a water feature in another, and perhaps a night garden in the 3rd. Or whatever you think your customers might be interested in. The night garden would use dark fabric inside with tiny lights to simulate stars with either white plants or perhaps architectural plants to appeal to those who like contemporary style. Depends on who you are trying to appeal to. Make the tents fairly shallow so people can still walk in and talk to you in front of them. If you have slideshows of different styles of gardens you could show those on large TVs in the tents. Three different styles of gardens should be enough to prove you are effective at your job if you make them as different as possible. Good luck with the show, whatever you do, and I hope you post pics of your booth. I occasionally come here hoping for inspiration.

Daane, first, I am so sorry for the loss of your step-daughter. How vey sad. I presume she was young. Did she have a family? Next -- I applaud you for being so conscientious about your health. So many of us let it slide. One thing I've learned working in a hospital is that early detection of almost any health situation is key. The surgery sounds scary but it sounds like this could resolve your condition. I hope so and will be thinking of you. (Every time I hear ISlets of Langerhans, I think of Biology class. That "part of the body" was always easy to remember since the name is unique.) Hugs to you Diane -- except after the 25th they will be very soft hugs for awhile.

chisue - You apparently missed Satine's opening line, stating that her daughter is "near her due date". Ergo, she's had 9 whole months to be counseled and think about the decision she's making. Please stop giving advice on something that you know nothing of and in the process, typing out posts of discouragement. Satine, your family has been added to my daily prayer board and to our weekly prayer group/Bible study. Not even knowing you or your daughter, you both truly make me proud! Just plain proud. :)

It's a nice looking kitchen. The Jenn Aire grill is not a high end grill, but it will be fine for someone who just wants to throw on a steak every so often. We use our grill several times a week and eat all our meals outside, unless there's a thunderstorm. If you think you will do anything more than the occasional barbecue, then you can look around at different outdoor kitchen stores. We have several of them in the Tampa area. We got a good deal by purchasing a display model. It was 2 years old, but had never been used. I got the full warranty on all the appliances. We were going to custom build, but it was going to run over $20,000. The display model was under $11,000 and included all Viking appliances - a grill with rotisserie, 2 gas burners, a fridge, a warming drawer and a storage drawer. We hadn't planned on a warming drawer, but it really comes in handy for parties!