Hi, Do I understand you correctly, that your milk jugs are closed? If so - open. Once they sprout they should be open to the air, esp the cold weather vegies, will not be bothered by a frost (which I suspect is not a problem this time of year in zone 7 anyway). Once you open up the containers, they will grow. Mine are taking off now, but initially I also thot nothing was happening. Once the temps rise and the sun is consistently out, they will grow. Don't worry. As for the marigolds and zinnias, I know zinnias are tender I don't know about marigolds. What I do with my tender annuals - I sowed them too early, and they have been sprouted for about a month --not the ideal situation but there it is. When the temp dips I cover them, I open them completely during day to get the benefit of sun and air. So far all is well. If your temps are consistently above freezing now, I think your zinnias and marigolds are ok. ellen

Well, definitely not dryness or a brown tinge anywhere! Strong green stems, fresh petals, no discolouration, drooping, or torn petals. All of these make for good flowers. Also, try to buy them not too open; they will last longer that way.

Thank you all SO MUCH! I can't believe how many responses I received. You're all wonderful. Although I do agree it's likely a great cat perch, I don't have a cat. There is indeed an outlet up there. I'll use it for Christmas for sure. In the mean time, I really liked the cat sculptures Olychick posted - but we're not really cat people. I might look into something similar though. Or maybe a large fake plant arrangement. My husband is in favor of that. Awm03's idea for a mobile would be kind of neat. A long hanging mobile would take up the space but not crowd it, but I don't know how we'd get to the ceiling safely. We have a ladder but I don't know if it will reach. Again, thank you all for the help! What a fantastic little online community.

It does sound condescending, msk3, but knowing how much we enjoy our "little next to the patio type pond", and how much others have admired and enjoyed it, that comment just rolls off my back, and I don't think it was intended that way anyway. I am not surprised at all by the interest/excitement about this topic. Since antiquity, water has been an integral part of gardens around the world, and not just for the very practical function of irrigation. Eqyptian, Persian, Asian, European, Middle-Eastern gardens all included water features, whether pools, canals, fountains or simply a modest water-filled basin. A water feature complements and completes the garden. The sounds and sights of moving water are soothing, enhanced by the beautiful colors and graceful movements of the koi. Even in the depths of winter, working in my little greenhouse, I am uplifted by the late afternoon sunlight reflected from the water's surface dancing on the greenhouse walls. We disregarded one of the rules when siting our pond, and, in this case, it worked well. Despite advice to the contrary, we placed the pond in a little-used corner of our yard ... It is now the number one "go to" place to sit and relax, visit, whatever. If you cannot have an in-ground pond for whatever reason, you might consider a mini water garden. I do classes on these, but, short of that, just search "mini water garden" and take a look at the images and articles that pop up. It is easier than you might think to introduce the elements of a water feature into your garden ... even if that garden is on a deck or balcony.