The only thing I would be concerned about is if you treat your law with weed killer. That could transfer to the plants in the bed you are mulching. The worms are usually good.

I looked at the dimensions on the Pottery Barn sectionals last night on line and I was impressed that it said the seat depth was about 23". Overall depth was 35"...so that seems to me like the back pillows would have be pretty supportive to prevent us from feeling like we were falling backwards but at least it might be worth trying. I also want to go try the Clayton Marcus at our nearby stores but unfortunately DS is home sick and I think may be tomorrow as well so it may be Friday or this weekend before I can pick up where I left off. I'll be sure to post the results of our next foray out to test sofas! I really appreciate the suggestions--thanks.

Ahhh.. it must be beautiful up there about now. Love the river! And ohhhh.. that's an area where you can still get antiques at reasonable prices! I recently moved back to this area so I am still learning where to go (and what has closed, moved, etc). I suggested that we go to the sledworks the other day and my mom and sister both said noooo.. that I wouldn't find any furniture there anymore. I did go to the Consignment Gallery in Carlisle--probably a bit far for you but just a fun place to go. They used to have a shop in Lemoyne but moved a few years ago. Not really a place to find bargains anymore but the owner is fun and dynamic and she has a good eye. It's just packed full of stuff and it's fun to see all different styles pulled together into interesting rooms. Check out the gallery images--- but they really don't do the shop justice. Here is a link that might be useful: consignment gallery

Congratulations, Plectrudis! You've got quite a haul for nothing but the extremely reasonable price of an Austin at Chamblee's invested in the whole lot! Nothing like experimenting a little! I'm jealous that you live within driving distance! I've grown all four Austins you mention, and Charlotte is indeed likely to be the one happiest in full sun. Mine stays quite small in our hot summers - no more than the 3.5' you mention in the best of years - so the size is a good fit. Mine doesn't rebloom particularly often however, so I'm glad it's not in prime real estate. The Prince would be my choice for showy blooms and better rebloom, but it you get drought it might crisp or sulk on you. Mine reblooms surprisingly well in part shade and keeps that lovely dusky purplish color. Tradescant would be possible I guess in the front of the bed if you let it weave around other roses on each side of it. Mine wanted to be 2-3 feet high and 8 feet wide in the front of my bed, with the classic long gangly Austin arms, so I finally got tired of it and moved it to the back of the bed. NOW of course, it's a tidy compact 2-3' ball with no spread at all, which of course means it's invisible. Go figure. Portmeiron is, well, fine I guess. It doesn't have the luscious form of Diane's photo of Prince which makes me swoon over Austins, nor the lush non-stop bloom of roses like Scepter'd Isle. It's just pink and fairly compact, sort of an accountant in a world of opera stars. Mine lasted a year or two then faded, and I haven't thought about replacing it since I can barely remember what the blooms looked like. For the price, it's a steal, and a good plant to put in an out-of-the-way spot where it can surprise you now and then. I probably wouldn't put it in prime real estate, but it's a trouble-free rose as such things go. Have fun with this dilemma Cynthia