Jen, I would strongly recommend Lindenderg in Princes Manitoba. They don't have a nice glossy cataogue (just a regular newsprint one) but their prices are usually quite a bit cheaper, definitely worth the trade in my opinion. My orders always comes firm and healthy, and because they're colder than my zone, their perennials do fine through our winters. Make sure to write no substitution on your order form if you don't want substitutions. Oh and did I mention shipping is free over $40...you'll come to realize you can easily spend $40 on plants whether in the store or through catalogues!

I don't know how I missed this thread......I loved seeing all the wonderful shrubs. My poor kolkwitzia was knocked over and partially uprooted by one of our many storms. I need to cut it way back and try to raise it up and see if I can save it. Nell, I love the fall color of Virginia Creeper, but I think I would cut it now.....I have them growing out of the foundation, up the Ash Tree and in some of the flower beds. Of course, even if you cut those on your property, a bird may replant seeds from far away. Cziga, I adore your magnolia and while admiring it, I realized I now have a spot for one! The huge Spruce tree that was felled in the front yard has left me a wonderful space. I have always wanted one, but didn't have the right spot. I will search for one next spring. I have one lacecap hydrangea that used to be under a tree for shade........lost the tree (another wind storm) so now I have to watch it for wilting in the heat. and a single bloom of the shrub, Another old shrub I want is the Van Houtte spirea.

Oh my goodness, I LOVE those horse dishes and the center-piece. Fabulous. I didn't even know there were such things. I fell in love with horses as soon as I could walk and talk, and tho haven't had any or ridden in many years, still love them dearly. Thank you, Jim, what a treat. And so many other gorgeous settings to see as well. Karen

For the most part, I do. We decide together that something big like a kitchen or bath reno needs to be done, and then I research, select products and design. I'm the DIY'er in the family - he supplies muscle for heavy jobs like the patio or helping to carry a granite countertop upstair, and I do the majority of the detail work. So if I say it's time to paint, I pick the colors, he suggests hiring it out, I say that's unnecessary, and I do the painting. Same in the garden - laying sod we do together, breaking beds we do together, but planting and plant choices are mine. I do respect his opinions when he offers them, but he's just not that interested in picking colors, window treatments, etc. He's a fantastic champ about it though - he gladly accompanied me for two weekends as I went on a Craigslist spree, stoically manned the wet saw when I decided it was a good time to tile, didn't bat an eye as I chose new rugs for the entire downstairs in one fell swoop, and after living through a couple of my recent bathroom remods, didn't even sigh heavily when I told him I'd ordered the vanity and counter for the hall bath, even though he knows he's going to be stuck helping me carry them upstairs. The exterior of the house, though - that's his, so roof, siding, vinyl cladding on woodwork, etc - those are his picks. :-) I'm more interested in the inside and the garden.