Are you open to growing things from seed? I have a lot of seed that I would be happy to share with you. I grow almost everything via Winter Sowing (see forum), but most of them will do well with direct sow. Here's a list of what I have for sure, I think I have more if you are interested: Aquilegia, Columbine, mixed colors (annual) Belamcanda, blackberry lilies, orange (perennial) Cynoglossum, Chinese Forget-me-nots, pink and blue mix (annual) Echinacea (purple coneflower, perennial) Gloriosa Daisy (rudbeckia, bi-colors, short-lived perennial) Larkspur (mostly purples, annual) Lychnis coronaria, (Rose Campion), pink (biennial) Lychnis coronaria, white/blush (biennial) Poppy, somniferum, mixed colors (annual) Poppy, shirley, mixed colors (annual) Verbascum chiaxii (white, tall, biennial) Salvia, May Night (perennial) Lisa

To answer your question Iris Gal, no I am not starting a business. I'm just someone who loves Iris's and lost most of mine this summer. Can't stand the thought of not being surrounded by their beauty this coming Spring. Walter could you please email me and tell me more about your iris's? I am pleased to know that some of them are your babies. However I have no ideal which ones they are. I look farward to hearing from you. Best Regards Marian AKA Lovely Iris marianwinnsboro@hotmail.com

Okay- let's talk bedding. I have spent hours searching (online and in stores) and I keep coming back to the RH bedding. So I went back to my store today. They were out of about half of what I needed and wanted so I ordered it (w/ free shipping) and I should have it ALL by the end of the week. Here is what I decided on. 1 King Duvet Cover in the 18th Century Medallion (in link above.) Pacific, so it does have a hint of blue. 2 Matelasse King Euro Shams in Fog (also linked above) 2 Lumbar "accent pillows" in cashmere.. one for each sham. I brought home 2 colors- a gray and an icy blue and need to choose. 1 Matelasse coverlet to act as a blanket- will be between the duvet cover and sheets. ***bought in Eucalyptus which is an icy blue color. The salesman talked me into this and I an really second guessing this for 2 reasons. #1- $179 is a LOT of money for a blanket that might not been seen. I could find a blanket at HomeGoods for $39 that would be fine. #2- *if* I stick w/ it, should I exchange it for Fog (color) so it matches the shams?? I really like the pop of color, but let's say, in the summer time, I decide to let the coverlet show more... wouldn't I want it to match the shams? Or am I trying to be too matchy-matchy??? (a problem of mine.) Wdyt??? Solid choices? I do need to get a king, light weight duvet on order. Any recs? I will go ahead and link the Matelasse coverlet again... *if* I keep the coverlet, should I switch to Fog? wdyt? thanks! Here is a link that might be useful: RH Matelasse

Lizzie.. so glad that you wrote! I have used RL sheets for as long as I can remember but I saw the PB classics and thought that they looked perfect--a little heavier than the RL of late. I don't have a PB nearby--only the outlet-- so I appreciate that you shared your experience. I get MANY of my quilts from TJ Maxx and I will definitely check there. Love the price and they've all lasted for years and years. I use the quilts to add a little bit of pretty to a guest room or to change up the bottom of my bed. I even have one in the back of my suv (and it matches too!). Funny that you mentioned West Elm. I always thought they were too modern and just a bit too dorm roomish but I think their quality has improved some and my tastes have changed. I see more and more there that I'd like to have in my home. In fact, they had a matelasse duvet cover there that would have been perfect for me--unfortunately, they are no longer available. I am going to check out the PB sheets.. and I've been sitting here trying to figure out how I can justify the $200 quilt lol. I am certain I will use it year round so between that and the 25% off this weekend, I bet I end up buying it before midnight ;)