FG is the only one left on my subscription list, and that largely due to their excellent index, pronunciation guide and on-line back-up. . . Jackie, YOU have touched on something that I find really stimulating - catalogs.....many years ago, they were pretty lame compilations of seed and/or plant lists, frequently with drawings instead of photos. With so much competition today, glossy catalogs have really come into their own; I often wonder if White Flower Farm started this whole trend, for at one time their catalogues were not only a joy to look at, but also to read (much less so today) and loaded with interesting garden information. Then, there's the late, lamented Heronswood catalogues, which were such classics that I think a lot us of hoarded them; and we still have Tony Avent's gorgeous (and delightfully off-the-wall) catalogue from Plant Delight's. Over the past few years, I've taken to ordering (it's so easy online) a few new catalogs each year, just to get me through the winter, and have often discovered wonderful new sources as a bonus. Try the David Austin Roses catalog (stunning) or even pay for the always valuable one from Fairweather Gardens. . . Carl

Hi, I'm new here, but have never been known for being bashful, so I'm just gonna jump right in. Having given up the business suit and high heels, I started offering my services as a garden designer on Craigslist a couple of years ago. I make a point of telling everyone that I am NOT a landscape architect, I am a master gardener with training in design. I offer a variety of services, but the most demand has been for someone to come in and redesign areas that didn't work for whatever reason. I provide free estimates, and go to their home, take the time to do the walk around, and talk with the client to determine their needs, likes and dislikes, etc. I make sure it is within my skill level, and that their wants and expectations are within reason for the project. (NOT always an easy thing) I don't provide anyone with my "plan". As far as I am concerned, that is my working blueprint. I will give them a description that is designed to create a visual in their mind. As much as possible, I try to do this by email or in person, so there can be pictures of the specific plants I will use. I don't get terribly specific at this point. I.E. "Mary, I'm going to create for you a cottage style garden in the flowerbed to the left of the front door, that will include vibrant scarlet monarda, Crazy Lady Daisy, echinaceas, and more, carefully planned to provide you with maximum color throughout the season." Yes, it sounds like something out of a sales catalog, but I'm in the business of selling my services, not giving away my expertise. I always try and mix in common names with botanical, so they have a teaser, but don't know exactly what I am recommending until they have money on the line. Most of my clientele are NOT gardeners, and don't know a lot of even common names, much less botanical. Somewhere in every design I can utilize a catchy name, i.e. "Crazy Lady Daisy" which always gets the conversation going. I give them a price, with a breakdown of total amount for plants and materials, and total for labor. (I do my own planting, and have hired help for the heavy stuff) Only after I get a deposit, do they get an itemized invoice, listing specific plants, number of plants, and breakdown. At that point, included in the labor costs, is the number of hours I spent doing design/planning. I use the same concept for baskets and pots. Sometimes they are part of a good design, and other than not having aching knees when I'm done, it is basically the same thing. As far as your hourly rate, that comes under the "whatever the market will bear" premise. Myself, I charge a bit less than some, just to stay busy enough that I can pick and choose who I work for. If you are not worth what you charge, the public will get that point across pretty quickly, and if you are underpriced, you will figure that one out too. Good luck! I look at it as the biggest ripoff in the world. Someone is actually PAYING me money not only to dig in the dirt, but to spend their money at a garden center. Absolutely perfect!

I just don't understand when someone asks a question about what to do with furniture the person already has and won't be getting rid of, someone sitting on her couch comes in a says "why did you buy that?" "Buy this". If I wanted your advice on what I should replace my furniture with, I would've asked it. I shouldn't have to explain to you that your comments come across as rude. I'm not paying you for advice, and I didn't ask for your opinion on the topic you provided your opinion on. Your question really seems to me to be, "why don't you do what I would've done even though you've already done it because I don't like what you've done." Who goes through the effort to be so obnoxious and then tells the person they've insulted to take a chill pill? I don't feel as though I've wasted any time at all (and its mine to waste, in any event); I have found nearly everyone's comments to be helpful. None managed to be delivered with your gift of disdain, fortunately.

I hear ya D2G, we all have plenty of those missed opportunities in our homes. I know I have tons! It certainly doesn't make your home any less beautiful! However, I would not draw attention to it with a FP screen, except maybe one of those fold over types Flo mentioned-they tend to stand higher. I also wouldn't buy anything else for the mantle. You don't need to match the art, and you have so many lovely things. I would sooner see your beautiful clock and candelabras, though not "perfect," because they are a piece of your story.