I don't know of any fiberglass PB's in MD but I live in Carroll Co., MD and we have been at this for 1 yr. We have finally decided on a PB after meeting with 5 people and doing TONS of research (thank you to all the people on here. I have lurked a lot but your suggestions and pics have helped me so much). Our dig should begin in about 20 days. We only wanted to deal with owners so that means none of the big companies were even considered. We decided to go with Steve Braun from BackYard Creations out of Frederick. We were comfortable with him as a person and he gave us a terrific price right out of the gate. He has a store in Frederick so you can go in and see him or his guys anytime and get answers to questions and buy products. I would tell you to stay away from Outdoor Impressions. If you want to know why I will tell you in a pvt email. Don't want to say too much in an open forum because my opinions are very strong about this owner. Tim Rowan from Rowan Landscape is great too but his prices were just too high for us. he does beautiful work. We also spoke with Bob from Lothorian Pools. Also as great guy but too pricey. If you are still searching, good luck!

Have you considered also having the wall mounted fireplace controls with the remotes? Many manufacturers offer both option. How large a space are you heating? This would define if the 40k BTUs is too much for your space. Also, don't know what the range is for this Napoleon. How far does it go down? That would be the number that I would look at to determine if the Fireplace would work in a warmer climate. Good luck!

"In fact I am in the same climate belt where Gardengal48 thinks she may be in USDA 9." Of anyone, you should be familiar with how our specific geography and proximity to water alters microclimates. Based on average low temps, I don't think I am borderline zone 9........I know I am!! I live less than a block from the Sound in a protected cove and even with the last Arctic cold spell, it never dropped below 28F here. And last year, there were no measurable frosts in my location. I also have several 20'+ cordylines growing in this garden that flower every year and actually have self seeded to some extent. A great many semi-tropical plants survive long term in my coastal location, whereas you seem to have excessive difficulties with plant hardiness. Or certainly report that you do.

You have all been tremendously helpful, and I really can't thank you enough. I probably shouldn't admit this to plant lovers but this is one area of the new house build that I had really hoped I could just turn over to the landscape architect and not delve into too deeply myself. Clearly I do need to dig in and learn more about my plants, especially for this area, and I really appreciate the help in getting me started. I've gone down the internet rabbit hole on what exactly is the difference between a tree and shrub. Before this I probably would have said shrub = shorter than me, tree = taller than me, and that's why we've always said trees for that spot. In reality, I think want things that are in the gray area between tree and shrub height. I'm going to do some measuring and looking at roof heights on the plans for a sense of scale and go from there. We want a tree "look," but definitely not 30'. I plan to make a spreadsheet of the options suggested here and see what works best. I may have more questions. Again, thank you!