Well, three nurserys today and no Physocarpus, B. vulgaris, nor even a vulgaris or bigger purple-leaved thingy mascarading as a Japanese barberry. I gave up and bought a Hydrangea paniculata 'grandiflora' --and this doesn't mean I won't move it later. I have come to the conclusion that those with really good gardens and landscaping are "garden proud" because it takes a heck of a lot of research, discrimination and time to find special plants and shrubs. I am going to have to purchase the B. vulgaris or the Physocarpus bare root. I really love purple-hued shrubs. BTW I had a drooping Leucothoe Fontanesiana "Nana" last summer which I kept on my porch and when I went to plant it, and keep in mind the folliage was spectacular, there were no roots! You seem to have an encyclopedic knowledge of shrubs so if you are aware how that came to occur, please let me know. Best to you and your family.

The metal will protect against the drying winds but not against the cold temperatures. Metal also prevents moisture from reaching the soil under the trash can. If you have big dogs, you may want to place a heavy rock/object on top to prevent toppling, especially if the trash can still has food odors that the pooches could detect.

I realized I never really updated everyone on my snagging issue. Well, I got the repair guys in last month, and they couldn't find anything wrong with the machines. I told them that I had filed down the spigot for the water for the steam in the dryer, and then they told me that I should come work for them! They were impressed with what I knew about the machines (thanks to this forum!). So it looks like I fixed the problem, and I haven't noticed any further snagging. So it looks like it was the water spigot thing in the dryer after all. I am now back to loving the machines and have also switched to Persil with some STPP, and my laundry has never been cleaner, softer, etc. Thanks everyone!

Ditto. Beautiful pools and landscaping. In the summer when growing up, we always wondered why the neighbor's pool always matched the pond behind our home. It wasn't by design. They just didn't add chlorine. I swear it gave off an evil green glow. LOL