Early this spring we started a long border of thugs using the lasagna garden method. The idea was to put the spreaders & ramblers together to duke it out & not make more work for us, but less as we surrounded fruit trees & curved the edge for easier lawn mowing. Sure beats ducking under trees, uneven turf & curving around stump, so my guys are okay with it. So far, so good... I know it's going to be a jungle next year, but since nothing is precious I can snip & tuck all I want to make it look presentable.

I can't imagine where you saw that they don't feed on plants (leaves and fruit), zzackey. That's exactly what they eat. There are some predatory species in other parts of the world, but won't be found here. In most situations, they aren't considered a major pest, but they are known to be a problem to citrus and other tree fruits. As mentioned earlier in this thread, they are more likely to be found in the tops of deciduous trees, munching away.

PennyLaney, I'm a little late on this input, but I'm wondering if in real life there is more contrast between your beadboard and window trim. Because in the pics it seems like your window trim gets lost. You don't like the green idea, but with the red tones in your cabinets it would be complementary. A red backsplash with your granite would be nice, but probably too dark with your cabs. A mid tone gold or brown/tan or coppery color may work, though golds could be tricky with your counter. If you can find one to pull from your granite, it would need to be overall darker than the granite and then all the elements would pull together and the white trim would pop. My suggestion (got this from a decorating show and it works) is to go to a paint display and grab as many samples in the colors that appeal to you, don't over-think it. Once you are at your house start putting chips against the granite. Don't spend much time deciding, just yes-no. Then with the yes pile, do the same with the cabinets. If there will be any paint near flooring or other elements, do the same process with the yes colors and don't go back to your discard pile. You may have a clear winner at this point or several to pick from that will work. If not, go back and tweak your color selection with more chips, either darker, lighter, more brown, less pink, etc. and you will get to the right color. Jill

Do they need to be heavier than freezer bags, which are weightier than those for food storage? Searching chemical resistant zip lock brings up a few Like This One but I'm still not sure if it meets your needs.