gt - as always, my hat off to you. what a tranquil garden you have. you should consider installing a web cam w/ mic so that we can go to your garden when we need to relax and are away from our own. just be careful what you do - the camera and mic are ON. LOL what is the humidity in your backyard? detrick

Hi June--Actually it doesn't take much time for me, now, after learning and practicing as I go the past few years! I do this sort of thing, mostly in the evenings, to unwind! I love doing these things, and often certain things will just bring a mental image up rather quickly, such as Andrea in that post! It's just fun for me!

Thanks Janice, Pat & 'Many', but I don't expect much difference in this garden in the future. The area is so shady that I don't expect the hosta to thrive; they'll live but not thrive. In the first pic, you might have noticed a few ventricosa scattered around the yard. That was my test; I wanted to see if they would survive in dense shade. They did, but they didn't multiply. So I knew I'd have to move mature plants into this garden. Then to be given 10 mature giants was a gift beyond measure! Nance

Thanks for all the feedback. I had been starting to doubt myself, so hearing you say that counters really are important was very helpful. Gotta be able to roll out those cookies, right! I was thinking the same thing: pitchers high, books low. I have a couple of other open cabinets, too, so I can put more frequently used things nice and low. What can I say...I love open cabinets. Our less than cute practical stuff will go in the drawers. The pretty practical stuff will go in the open cabinets and glass front cabinets....if we ever finish! :) Moccasin- The floors are utility grade oak from Lumber Liquidators. It was a great deal at about a dollar per square foot. We've loved the color variation and the rustic touches to it, plus it blends perfectly with the old oak floors in our cottage. We didn't stain it...just did a clear coat. We staining the countertops in the darkest color variation of the floor, to pull out the dark streaks. NOW, to find a really cute stool!!