Be sure to do your homework on the silverado sage. There's a dwarf cenizo that will probably work a lot better with the height you want. I saw another plant at the Texas Discovery Gardens that looks a lot like dwarf cenizo, but it's called shadscale. I haven't found it in any of the nurseries around here, but I sure do like how low it grows, and the wood gets twisty and thick sort of like driftwood. Here's a picture I found online: http://www.suu.edu/faculty/martin/shadscale/shadscaleplant.JPG I love flame acanthus - it's one of my favorite plants. But mine has spread all over the place, not in any uniform fashion. If they all grow this way, I think it would take up too much space in an easement. Cynthia - Mine just started blooming last week, too. It needed to dry out and have some good hot weather. The hummingbirds are all over it. Jupiter's beard would be nice with all the plants you're considering. It's not much in winter, but it sort of spreads around and pops up mixed in with the other plants - not in an invasive sort of way. http://www.allisonvillenursery.com/pictures/guide/misc/jupitersbeard.jpg

My only advice is that if your spending that much money, you are at least in part, spending some of that on aesthetics. Under no circumstances would I spend so much money on something I thought was ugly or not absolutely beautiful. These stoves are outta my league so can't otherwise comment. Sorry!

I do want a landing space for mail and the paper, keys and stuff that I can deal with on a small counter and hopefully keep off of the island. Just wondering if I should do a counterheight unit with no stool space - all lower storage -> countertop then upper cabinets...do the upper cabinets come out the full depth of the lower unit (in this case 21") or are they not as deep? And - what would be the distance from the counter to the uppers?

So in a nutshell, a frugal wedding can be done if you have the cooperation of family and friends and organization on your part. A trick I learned from an event planner--Visualize exactly what you want it to look like and then work backwards to make it happen. borrow as much as you can. Need a fridge in the barn? borrow one. Some people have extras in their garages and don't know what to do with them. A stove to warm things up? borrow. People love to help. Remember to show your appreciation. A mention at the reception or a written thank you. Put the whole thing on paper, from when you arrive at the farm to the ceremony, cocktail hour, reception. all the activities, all the cooking times, when this happens, when that happens. It will give you an idea of what you need, when and where. Invitations--colored paper and envelopes, save the date postcards, card stock, get four out of each piece, thank you's from walmart--or make them yourself, more heartfelt. Clothing--clearance racks, used or borrowed. For the guys, kahki pants and nice shirts and ties that match. (JC Penney) Forget the Tux or suit. Decor--flowers from fields in your area, twigs, grasses and grocery store florists. Make it yourself, many books out there on how to do it. This might even be an idea for your boquets and boutteniers...forget the tulle or use very little. Ribbon is big now. Twinkle lights, fairy lights--I just bought 20 boxes of white Christmas lights for .60$ each after the holidays. Reception--biggest expense. Everything make ahead. Pork loin, Chicken Breasts, a Turkey. Everything paper or plastic, good quality. Make your cake or grocery bakery. rent tables, chairs and tablecloths, you can use the chairs for the ceremony too. Boxed White Zin wine (it's what restaurants use?!, you can cover the boxes with pretty paper), beer kegs, appetizers, chips and dip from Sams or Costco. bottled water and pop. Don't forget cleanup. Maybe the Dad's can bartend? I'd find a couple to "host" the cocktail hour just to make sure things get done (music, food, make sure people are taken care of) and go like you want them to go. Remember, you will be taking pictures and the Mom's will be getting dinner out and the Dad's will be bartending, maybe....get everybody in place before the event, don't wait till the last minute. Always have a plan B for most everything. Have a little money to spend? have a square dance caller and the square dance club out to your place for entertainment and for fun. What would be more appropriate for a farm wedding? OK, these are just ideas, they can't all be solid gold. Make sure you have enough lighting in the barn and around the yard. Can you use square haybales for seating somehow outside the barn? or even inside. Not everyone is going to want to stay indoors if it's nice outside. Music--recorded ahead of time in the order you want it played. Your fiance may like to do this but find someone who can press play and pause for you and doesn't mind doing it all night long, make sure he or she gets a break once in a while during the evening. If you can't afford an MC, maybe you have an outgoing friend who wouldn't mind getting up and announcing activities for you. Don't depend on things flowing smoothly by themselves, have someone in place to help it along. And just a side note--I gradated from college three yrs ago and have yet to pay on my loans due to deferments. They will work with you for a long time.