We did have a great visit and so happy you actually took some time to piddle. Too bad the rain didn't cooperate and we could have piddled longer. Janet must be blind to weeds because I do have them - in fact, I even have one she couldn't ID for me. Rather than just cussing and calling them weeds, Janet actually knows the name of most of them. I have had one weed pop up that is new to me this year. In fact when it first started appearing, it was close to a shasta daisy and the leaves were very similar to it and I thought the thing had reseeded. Since I'm a plant hog, I let some grow and I was going to pot some up for future planting. Nope, stupid thing blooms yellow and even Janet didn't know it. I was proud I actually have discovered another pest that she couldn't ID - I love being on the cutting edge! I went out to piddle last night but got sidetracked and actually ended up working. I played with more rock. I finally got the rock edging in place for a new bed and the grass is finally dead so I can plant it. Several of the rocks were very large and I had to roll them to their location. My best garden friend, my cat, went every step of the way with me as I rolled them. She was exhausted after her hard work. I guess we are getting rain today so will have to search for something inside to keep me occupied. I know I won't have to search very hard. Brooke

Thanks, everyone. For those interested in Berma Abercrombie, she's been blooming already for about a week and would you believe I didn't even notice the buds until I looked at the photo? It's just one of those flowers I take for granted, and I shouldn't -- most cultivars don't get that kind of bud count here. Mantis, Mediterranean Sailor is a nice, large bloom that gets a fair amount of shade here, but I think it helps the color. While I like the look of Royal Renaissance, the performance hasn't been anything to brag about. It's in an area of the garden I don't pay much attention to, so I've just left it alone. Nat, I do like the pattern on Unfolding Paradox. It's an unusal shade of violet/purple that blooms a little later here, so it's appreciated.

thanks for your feedback! i guess option 2 or 3 got the most votes. maybe i will start by doing option 3 and if it looks like it needs a little something else, i can add a valance.. tibbrix, i am not sure guests would want to sleep in a twin sized bed, but that might be fun! outsideplaying, i didn't think that trim could easily be removed or changed out, but i guess it can if i hand-stitch it would be very easy. thanks for the suggestion! daisychain, i love those pompom fringes also, so i think i will definitely add that in. so what color of trim would you suggest if i do a tannish linen for the shade? would you do the green, a dark brown, a pumpkin, or a robins egg blue for the pompoms?

You can get outdoor fabrics (like Sunbrella) in a lot more patterns than you might think. I was impressed with our local fabric store's selection last time I was there. You might check that out. We have a window seat/banquette in our kitchen and the seat cushion is covered in a dark red/green blend chenille, and although I guess we haven't had any major spills, the seat is about 5 years old and still looks good as new. I thought we'd need to recover it every couple of years, and I'm actually disappointed that it looks so good because I'd love an excuse for a change! ;)