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

I can't wait to see pictures of Maggie. Love the name. If you wanted to try another DA rose, I have had great success with Pretty Jessica which laughs at the heat, is upright and stays small but tall for a DA rose. I would say mine is about two to three feet wide, if that and about four to five feet tall. Constant bloomer. Next one would be Princess Alexandra of Kent but give her room to grow. She is a beaut! Flowers bigger than my hand in spring and fall. Smaller flowers in the heat. She takes a beating and keeps on ticking! Next would be Munstead Wood. Love, love, loveo him. He also takes the heat. All three have to be the best DA roses I have seen for the heat. Now, that being said, my first timer roses that have been in the ground about six months (if that) and on their own roots, that seem to be doing pretty well for me are also Lady of Shalott and Alwick. They are both babies and being subject to full sun all day long and until this week, 100--110 degree heat. Both are producing sporadically with tiny flowers but their leaves look good and they are continuing to put on new growth. I think once they get established in a couple of years, they will be fine. I hope Lady's flowers tone down the orange a bit in the future. Another rose, still very young and on its own root that seems to be doing well is Occhi di Fata. It is starting to put out a few more blooms and the growth is good. It is a charming rose and I hope for great things in the future.

Beautiful! I'm about to redo most of my first floor in (~1000 sq ft) in wood-look tile. Great idea using two different sizes.