twomonths...I am in the Long Beach area. A lot of my ferns burned up in the freeze we had. They survived, but the fronds were pretty beat up. crafty...I referred back to the directions you sent me on posting photos. See my new post named "A couple photos...my duty". I posted individual links, which worked better. I will try and send some more photos. It seems like my flowers are ready to burst. Our weather has been wonderful. I am sure Spring is right around the corner for the rest of my "snow friends". :)

Ken, no fluffing for me. I scuffed up the turf about an inch, just enough to break up the dead turf. Soil was dry as a bone and crumbly all on it's own with no mechanical intervention, unless you are counting the actual digging. The only place we get run-off here is on the driveway, 500' of packed road rock. I still appreciate the tips, for those times when I do run across such situations. Will, it is deceiving...We have a few trees, but really very little considering we are on five acres and two of the trees are not plantable under, being in the dog yard (and one being an apple tree.) We are actually very exposed here. It makes for most excellent views but does not leave a lot of room for mystery. I am making it two of my goals to 1) create some spaces that will stop the eye but not block our best views and 2) find ways to create some mystery here in the wide open. Here is another reason to be grateful for your location, none of this: two winters ago it was drifted this deep over our entire driveway for two days following a huge blizzard! This was the path I had to shovel to the barn:

Great idea, I've been wondering how to understand what size container is best for which tomato. Those tomato 'bags' are a reasonable idea, but one size for all wouldn't be best for every tomato, would it? And I think they are so over price, I would never buy one. I do how ever love and joyfully pay for "Down Under Pots" because they should, with care, last generations and they are a quality product. I have tuberous begonias hanging in all of mine now and I am amazed how they love these pots. The tubers are getting so huge, I don't think I can get them out of the pots now. Never had that happen in regular pots! I leave them in all winter and when they show fresh sprouts I hang them upsidedown. Can you see through the milk jugs when wet or dry? what is a large jug to recycle as a tomato hanger, have to give this lots of thought. Also, for a large tomato, the weight + water and fruit is an important consideration

We are about to purchase natural stones for our two bathrooms. Please let me know if you are happy with your travertine, marble or limestone in your bathrooms after a few years? Are you able to maintain the original color? Are you able to keep it very clean? do you have photos to share? We are ready to demo this weekend, but can't really make up our minds about it. Thanks much!