In Florida its hard to get anything done without upfront money.Just ask people who paid and waited a year for new roofs and carports to be built. My first(and one year later fired) pond contractor refused to work without most money up front.You know he has to pay for heavy equipment, gas, subcontractors,,,,, drug habit. Before we hired him he drove us around to various ponds he SAID he did but we should have actually knocked on their doors and asked if he did them.While I argued with both of the pond guys and insisted they build my ponds and attached creek to look natural they balked. NOW our county is making it a rule that all ponds be natural not rectangles squares and circles. I do wish they had regulations on the contractors but until they do be careful!

I am so happy to find this site. Last year we had some foundation work done to our mid-century modern home in Illinois; the front of the house is now just dirt. I am not a life long gardener, as we�ve only been in this house for six years. However, I have greatly enjoyed finding creative ways to add color and garden around the entire house. I was advised to consult a landscape designer about my wish to use one or two boulders in the front, which previously had mostly ground cover. My wish, however, is to learn how use boulders as part of a design and to make the front what I have created instead of someone else�s design. However, I need some dialogue with those who have gone before me about some particulars. First of all, I have found two boulders that are very interesting at a landscaping site, although after reading the blog, I may contact a few farmers in the area and see what is available before I purchase these. My biggest question is: how does one decide how much space accommodates what size boulder and how many boulders? Then, how do I determine where to place them relative to the house and relative to one another? All sides of both boulders I�ve found are interesting and coordinate with the color of some stone we already have on part of the front? Third, if I am going to plant a small tree or bush, does that go in before or after the boulder? If I could find good solutions to these questions, I feel confident about the kinds of plants I want. My goal is to have an eye catcher of color and interest from the street and a design which feeds the soul upon entering the house. Thank you for considering my questions; any ideas for assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Lee, I don't come over to conversations very often but you have been in my heart and prayers. It's amazing that you are living, much less walking. I just know you are a walking miracle and are going to continue to do well. Thank you so much for taking the time to let us hear how you are doing. I know it has been a terrible struggle for you. Beverly

Thanks everyone. Sorry I haven't posted back. I've checked email on my phone and read the responses, tho. I have a slice of bread in it now, been there about a week. JBK, I didn't know my bear needed soaked! Thanks. LPink, I feel for/with you! My cough is a little better, but I still have coughing spells that kill DH's ears. Get anything done? Yeah right. We had horrible weather yesterday, worst snow storm I've driven in in years! Of course I had an ultrasound scheduled at the hospital, and a chiropracter's appt 2 hours later half an hour the other direction. I could have easily cancelled the chiro, and did have to change it to later, but I didn't want to change the ultrasound, so out I went. Got both accomplished, came home and rested, put the last (hanging my head in shame) box of Christmas decorations in DD's room to go in the closet when I have the energy, and vacuumed and dusted! It should have been nap time then, but I managed to stay awake! I was going to make a cream cheese pound cake that was in the March issue of Southern Living after we came home from fish dinner, but ran out of energy. I am SUPPOSED to be making it right now! If I like it, I'll post the recipe in another thread. Hope you feel better soon. Tami