Wanton: The agaves were A. americana. They were pups from parent plants grown on the campus of my school. They were just gonna get thrown away, so I collected them up to give to anyone who wanted them. I did not realize they were water hogs, though. I'd be willing to bet, then, that's what I did wrong - not enough water. Thanks so much for that list and link. I'll definitely have to check that out. As to my losses, I had been working really hard to try and keep them out of direct sunlight. When I noticed that the sun's orientation in the sky was shifting as we progressed closer to the end of summer, it was getting harder and harder to keep the plants out of direct sun, so I put up a sun screen curtain thingy. It's certainly helped to keep the front stoop cooler; but by the time I put it up, most of the damage had already been done. I think they just weren't meant to be in that kind of heat, especially with me freaking out over the heat and overwatering them. When I eventually replace those plants, I'll be sure to keep them indoors during the summer heat and winter cold. Stush: Yay, the agaves are looking great! I'm so happy they're doing well for you. Alas, I lost the one you sent me a while back. The only agave I have left is this one, bought at a nursery. I do still have that monstrose you sent, and it seems to be doing just fine. Here's a pic, taken just this past week. Rosie: Hi, Rosemarie! I know how it is, being super busy. No worries, I'll chat with you when you have some time. :) *CG*

Thanks all for commenting. Of course we know it's not about "fixing the crack", but more about garden whimsy and perhaps a little encouragement to look differently on whatever seeming defects come up like that wonderful admonition of making lemonade when life gives you lemons. Making the sign on the back of a large iron skillet that my friend passed along is taking more time than making the 'river'. IF it turns out okay I'll post a picture. Happy whimsical gardening!

"My theory is that i broke the board that was holding the ceiling." The "board that was holding the ceiling" is a joist, and is a 2x piece of lumber. What you likely cracked was the 1/2 inch thick drywall that IS the ceiling. Repairing the cracks usually involves cutting out the damaged area, putting a drywall patch in place, and then matching the texture. Matching is usually the sticking point, requiring knowledge of how the texture was applied. A good drywall person can usually figure it out by looking. Short uniform random spikes (not patterned) are often produced using a sponge roller in wet drywall compound, and it not hard to match.

Hopefully that is an impact crack and not a problem with the subfloor. Removing and replacing the tile is the way to make it look "perfect". So long as the edges aren't dangerous, cracked tiles are welcome to be left in place (until they become dangerous). The grout on that tile also needs repair. I would check the entire floor to ensure you are not seeing the beginning of a failing tile floor. Failing tile can be seen with ++ cracked grout or multiple tiles that are looking stressed (fine cracks in the body of the tile that have yet to crack all the way through like the tile you show in your photos). A quick inspection of the entire floor will tell you whether or not a repair is even worth it. A tile floor that is in the beginning stages of failure is not worth repairing. I'm hoping Joseph will pop by to offer any suggestions for "filler" that might be used to correct the tile without removing/replacing. I'm a wood/cork flooring pro...which means tiles and stone are not my strong point.