I'm surprised that you have had this problem. I've used miracle grow fertilizer for over 20 years on all my plants except my acid lovers and have never had a problem. I haven't tried the new already mixed one this year. I only use the prepackaged measured packets, pour it into the container, attach it to the hose, turn on the water and off I go. My tickseed have never suffered and I have 4 different kinds. Haven't used any fertilizer this year because we've had so much rain, I have only had to water my containers and WS flats that still need planting. Please tell us how you used the miracle grow so we might be able to figure out what happened to your tickseed. Fran

It looks like a disease with only a few bites of missing leaves. Have you had lots or rain? Or humidity? Or do you water from overhead (sprinklers or by hand)? If so, any/all of those things can increase leaf disease. In my experience, these plants are tough. Water at the base of the plant only now and then should be sufficient. And you clay soil will be a benefit here, as it will hold the moisture for a good long time.

Thanks everyone for helping me work through this! It has been months since the rooms were repainted and the island is still the original color from when I purchased it years ago! I am concerned about getting the finish right and painting the tins without ruining them. That may seem crazy sincce the tins are rusted, and the finish is weathered and rough, but those elements are what I love about the piece. If I could decide on a color, I am feeling confident I could figure out the painting process :) Jan- I agree that if I go red, brick red would be the best option. It was my first try on photoshopping anything and I couldn't quite find the color red I wanted. Thanks for sharing your ideas. I love all the pics I have seen of your home, and value your opinion. Daisy- I think the paint that is currently on the piece is milk paint. I love the finish. If you are familiar with milkpaints, are they easy to work with? Paintergirl- I hadn't thought about a combo!! I am a novice furniture painter. I was thinking I could get a weathered look on the wood sections by painting a base color, and maybe drybrushing a raw umber color over the top..... no clue on the tins :( I want the rust to come thru. The tin tiles are painted in the same finish as the beadboard. Here are more current pics of the piece. Sorry if it seems obnoxious but I am going to keep the pics full size incase it helps to see the current finish. Thanks again everyone!

That article by marcolo is fantastic! Based on what I have just learned here is an updated layout with the fridge on the other corner to the left of the sink. I may have to push the sink over a bit to make the dishwasher fit. Does anyone else have any suggestions? Is there any easy programs I can use to do a better layout of the kitchen so I know what size cabinets I will need?