Oh, thanks! I think that's it. I remember getting seeds called Blue Aster by someone now that you say that. I try to write down all of the seeds I get in the exchanges and from who so I can write them if I have questions, but these plants slipped by me. Usually I mark everything too, but sometimes my markers in the ground get lost. Thanks again, Susan. Alicia

Yes, Sherry, That is it!!! I am amazed by how much activity this plant sees! Mostly small bees and a few of the smaller butterflies. I've tried rooting cuttings in water for our new garden, but no-go. I'll have to use rooting hormone and perlite, maybe... I've been unable to find any seeds, even with all the flower pollinators!!! Thank for your help, Myke

Thanks very much for all your replies! The mint 'bush' was huge, so I can see it taking over a garden. Looks like this poor garden has been neglected for years and things just got out of control. I'll plant the mint in a pot as suggested, find a shady corner for the lily of the valley plants and skip the goldenrod and sweetpea. Thanks again... I may be posting more pictures in the future because I can't tell a plant from a weed :) Kristine

A stable should be relatively easy thing to find, but you might be wise to take a couple of the figurines with you to be sure of the proportion. Hobby Lobby always seems to have them. I think the excelsior is way too deep and too much for the figurines that will be standing on the cabinet. A bit of it, scattered to look like straw, would be very effective, with more tucked in the stable. You might also consider stacking a book or two, coffeetable type books perhaps, covered with a drape of medium beige or tan burlap for texture, so that you can raise the stable up a bit in the background. Put some scattered excelsior on top of it to give the feel of hay, and also hide some of the edges of the fabric in the front. I would move the wall hanging to the other side - you want the eye to be directed into the cabinet area, and right now it draws your eye away because of the direction the figure is facing. I think the lamp is cute, but a pair of dark iron or other metal lanterns or candlesticks would go well. I would move the lamp to the other side if you move the wall hanging, and consider wrapping the shade with a temporary slipcover of burlap or even brown kraft paper, for a more natural feel.