LOL. I was ignoring this thread because I have no knowledge re rose folks in NJ. Then I noticed the total number of responses, and had to find out what's goin' on in the Garden State rose-wise. What I found is kind of wacky. Or, to borrow a term that John McCain used yesterday on the floor of the Senate -- BIZARRO! First, we have someone who's making her very first post on this forum asking a legitimate question based, one must assume, on her own very specific needs. Then come responses attempting to convince the poster that she really doesn't want what she clearly states that she wants. Then, rose service agents in Va and NJ are recommended. The info-seeking poster, who specifically requested info on NJ-based rose experts, replies that she shall contact the out-of-state source forthwith. Then, in a rare appearence here, comes one of the few folks on the planet whom a rather august body has officially proclaimed to be a "Great Rosarian of the World". In contravention of the rules of these forums, the Great Rosarian of the World came to tout/promote/solicit customers for his business. I hope things work out well for the initial poster, & that she finds the help she's seeking -- in VA, NJ or where ever. Turned out to be a curious, interesting and entertaining thread after all.

I'm sorry you're offended but frankly, I still think you're just providing advertising for Dorado. You just registered today, your first post is nothing but effusive praise and an address/phone #. No photos or other information about your project to make it more 'real'. The implication that Dorado is somehow higher quality or better than several other soapstone companies in the general area who are well known on this board also smells a little fishy. There was another poster a couple of months ago who was managing to mention Dorado soapstone in EVERY SINGLE soapstone post on the board-including repeatedly posting the same photos which the company had 'sent her'. They maintained that they were just a customer as well (and were never as overt as this) but it just seemed a bit fishy to me...not to mention annoying as the photos were huge.

I read an article on this site not long ago (can't remember where now) that I thought gave some good advice. Buy a couple of high quality pieces. Really nice sofa and chair for example in a neutral color. Then accessorize and add color with less expensive pillows and smaller more original pieces from flea markets as others have suggested or even second hand stores. If you spend some time browsing photos on Houzz and start an idea book you will soon see the similarities in what you like or don't like. Even colors you gravitate towards. So you could get some nice pieces and ideas from Ethan Allen but don't buy everything from them. Fill in with less expensive and unique pieces. It will keep the room from looking like a showroom. Also once you pick fabrics or pillows you like paint stores (at least my local SW) is great about helping pick out paint colors. I think you could very well pull a room together based on an inspiration photo and help from furniture and paint stores. I am no whiz at decorating but I have learned a lot from reading these forums. Good luck and have some fun with it :)

I trialed and grew over the years,over a hundreds varieties. I kept only the cultivars that can take ,this difficult climate, and, the top tasting in the world ,tho some of the later are not as easy to ripe fruits here. A list: Malta Black,Improved Celeste, Adriatic JH,Battaglia,Ronde De Bordeaux,Italian 258,Gino's fig,Takoma Violet,Atreano,Nero 600m,Vasilika Sika,Vasilika Mavra,Noire de Barbentane, Longue D'Aout,Ischia Black,Marseilles black vs,Aubique Petite,Carmelitana,Saint Anthony, Figo Preto, Col de Dame Noire,and Grise.Negretta. This is it,i might have missed a couple ,but that will be because it produced very few fruits here,and i lost interest(example: (Jurupa)