Hmmm, let's see so you all are telling me that I need to work on...edges! LOL! The funny thing is that I trench edged all of the beds this spring (before I could plant anything - similar to when Donna suggested). Obviously I either need to do a better job in the spring or plan on doing it again near the middle of summer. For those of you who trench edge, how often do you do it? One thing I realized immediately after I posted and went scanning through the entire thread is that I don't have a very good "detail" eye. I see these beds every day, love tending to the plants, but am not very good at standing back and evaluating them overall. (Probably why I never think to add edging.) For example, I realized on the side yard shot that I have an ugly plastic pot sitting at the base of the dogwood. I moved it there this spring when I was splitting some perennials and put some mums and coreopsis in it "temporarily". And there it still sits - and it's ugly! Thanks for your comments and politely pointint out the need for edging. Just the fact that all of you pointed that out makes it a priority for me this fall! Thanks. And if any of you have any specific edging techniques/styles that you've either had great succes with or think would fit well with this garden, feel free to suggest. I may go search for past threads on that as I'm pretty sure that I remember seeing some. Terrene, your question about the bee balm - it's Jacob Cline and by this time every year (espeially with the last two weeks of 100 degree temps we've had), it is just fried and totally overtaken by powdery mildew - but I still love it. And also your comment about the red rose bush is a valid concern. It is several inches above the window already. However, that window is actually into the garage, so I'm OK with it. Thank you all again for the comments and critiques, Lauren

Phylhl, Ceramic tile is a relatively maintenance-free product that requires little continuing care beyond regular cleaning. Most cleaning can be done with a damp cloth and a gentle non-acidic soap. More resistant staining such as calcium spotting and soap scum can be handled using specially designed cleaning products such as Miracle Sealants Mira Clean I product. Other manufacturers such as Stone Tech also offer products specially formulated for ceramic tile care. Take care to avoid âÂÂover the counterâ ceramic tile cleaners that contain phosphoric and glycolic acids that could etch some ceramic tile surfaces. Because crackle glazes are prone to absorbing stains, you may want to consider using a penetrating sealer. In areas that experience regular moisture, such as showers, resealing crackle glazes is a necessary maintenance procedure but for a kitchen backsplash, not completely necessary. If you don't seal the tile the crackles will darken over time giving it an antique type look. Some people love this, it is just up to you on what you want to do. Using a sealer does not affect the quality or appearance of the tile, just make sure you don't use too much or the sealer will leave a film on the surface. I would recommend sealing once a year just as you would with your stone counter tops. Thank you again for sharing and I hope this helps! Lindsay

Rest of the photos: View of the island: Computer Desk wall: Sliding door wall Fridge corner: Here is a closeup of the backsplash options I am considering. The middle one is my favorite. It is a gray blue glass tile. The right most fits the budget. It is Adex subway tile. The size I am considering is different. It is a 2X4 beveled subway. The color I am thinking is also different. I would like a big favor from photshop experts. I would like to visualize the gray blue fully in the window wall and the hood wall. DH wants us to tile the computer wall too. Also, is it possible to photoshop two more options. One is Adex celery 2X4 beveled subway tile too fully on all the walls. And the other option is to do the celery/bone with everywhere except beneath and above the hood. I would like to try the gray/blue glass tile just above and below the hood. Please help me make a decision and give your suggestions too. Here is the link to the adex beveled subway tile: http://www.adexusa.com/viewproduct.php?id=532 Backsplash options: Family room sofa: Rug under the sofa fireplace wall: tv wall: Another tile I like is this: http://www.covefinishings.com/MS01.html#

@nosoccermom - good questions! :) I really love my kitchen. Both the function and aesthetics of it. I must have spent a gazillion hours researching, looking at options, reading, etc. And in the end, I am very happy with my choices. But, there are a few things I would do differently: 1. Prep/bar sink - I would skip it if I were to do things over. I hardly ever use it. I drank the "Gardenweb Kool-aid" regarding prep sinks and should have known it wouldn't be that useful for me. That said, I do like how it looks, and it makes a handy "hiding" place for things on the counter. ;) 2. Ventilation - we have a challenging configuring that was better suited to a downdraft unit. But I love the look of the overhead hood, so went for it. It's not terrible, but I am sure it would function better with a downdraft. I would probably still have the hood facade, but then have a DD for actual ventilation. Favorite things: 1. My appliances (hopefully I won't jinx myself by saying this!). They've all performed beautifully. Love my microwave drawer - so much easier and more functional. French door fridge is great (adore the filtered water dispenser inside); and my induction cooktop and ovens have been wonderful. I got brave enough to try the self-clean function on my ovens not long ago, and it worked great. 2. My backsplash. Makes me happy to look at it. Even though it was a splurge, it was totally worth it. 3. Drawers! Love, love them - especially the ones for pots/pans, bowls, serving dishes and baking supplies. 4. And, similarly - drawer inserts/dividers for spices, knives, utensils, etc. Love having a place for everything! Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any questions...