Kristimama - I use Black Magic potting soil. It seems to be widely available, and it was highly recommended by a very knowledgeable person on this forum. It's a tad expensive, but since my roses have so much to contend with already, I felt they deserved it. I should have mentioned that I have only had roses for about 4 years, so I'm far from expert. I've learned a lot, however, due to volunteering once a week at the Sacramento Historic Rose Garden in the old city cemetery (a wonderful place to spend a few hours, working or not!). I also should have mentioned that my roses are about to face an even more challenging environment: After yellowjackets came every summer that we've been here (4 years), last summer they built a nest in the rolled-up "privacy screens" on the balcony, directly above my roses. The exterminator said that they would be bound to come back, as they find those rolled-up screens to be a perfect nesting site (it keeps them warm, etc.), and that it would be best to keep the screens rolled down. They're part of the balcony (i.e., the property of the apartment complex), so I can't get rid of them. They are down now, as I am allergic to bees and wasps. SO... the roses (and my other plants, succulents) will get even less sun than before. This coming summer is an experiment - I'm hoping that the screens being down will produce a dappled shade effect, thus shielding things from frying, while still letting in enough sunlight to keep everything more or less happy. We shall see. As Amelia Peabody would say, "Another challenge! I'm up to it!" -- at least, I hope so. Laura

I have an asymetrical cottage style, so I understand not wanting to hide the shape. Ours is English cottage inspired, but some of the same elements come into play. Of course, we had to put a porch on ours to create passive solar. We couldn't afford a stone house, so we used stone elements everywhere we could. We were in France a few weeks ago. Been to Provence before,too. Since your friend is from France, she probably just needs to know a bit about what is grown in France that will work here in NC. Are deer a problem? Are HOA covenants a concern? Is there a budget for hardscape to build a low stone wall or an aluminum (wrought iron look)? If using a wall, fence or hedge, step it back at least 4 feet from the street so that some gardening flowers can be on that side -- that's more of an American design, but it just looks better in a neighborhood like hers. Some suggestions: Lavender (Munstead, Grosso, Godwin Creek, Provence) Broom Rock Rose Delospermi Cooperii (ice plant) Roses (Knock Out are easy-care) Nepeta Coreopis Snapdragons (tall) Dusty miller Thyme would work in lieu of some lawn Oregano Dianthus Valerian Irises (Dutch, bearded, Japanese) Black-eyed Susans (unless she wants sunflowers) Pittosporum (check zone) Rosemary as hedges if fence is a problem look/shape like a mimosa tree (but not a mimosa) Buddleia was also used a lot for hedges, but they actually shaped it into a flat-topped hedge, flat on the sides and kept it waist high. I like spirea 'Neon Flash', but I don't remember seeing it in France. It works great in full sun, greens up quickly in the spring. Starts blooming in June. They used a lot of cedars (like Italian), but arborvitae would work here for a smaller shape/scale. There are boxwoods, but I don't put those in full sun here. It's rare to see a "lawn", but when you do, it is something like these villas. Lawns are more formal, rather than cottage. In pots: Geraniums Agapanthus I saw bottlebrush in several places. Don't know if this color works in your design. Buckeye was in a lot of places, but I don't think it does as well here in full sun...more like partial. Can't grow these trees: Roses and snapdragons: I have more photos from France in my gardening blog: http://definingyourhome.blogspot.com/2008/05/flowers-in-france.html Cameron

Four - thanks for your comments - KD is hiding from me today - guess I will have to make a cameo at the store tomorrow.... LocalEater - those are cute - but probably too small for this space - but good ideas! I have lots of bears and lots of ceramic pots - but I think I need some height. We have these great whimsical characters in our bathroom but I like them there - I also have a sculptured tree over the fire place. Deedles- The ceiling is ceiling white - believe it or not, I never had ceiling white in my houses - so this is a first. eBay would be a good choice - I think it would be a great idea - I think I will return the copper tub - it shines so nicely - I was thinking of adding seasonal items in it. I looked it up and no red squiggles! Here is the spelling per Webster mascarpone Springroz - The tub is from Williams Sonoma - cost about 200 - but I can just return it. Can you use copper on induction? I know copper by itself won't work - but wonder if they ever bond it to other materials.

try this link: https://imgur.com/a/O9howSe Let me know if it doesn't work, I can post some photos!