Baldo says, it is imperative that you contact the Dept. of Agriculture for your County IMMEDIATELY. There is every probability that this is NOT Japanese Beetles -- BUT there is a chance that it IS. And if it is, the County must be made aware. Please don't delay. Contact them ASAP. Then, we will ALL know for sure. It is B A L D O V I L L E G A S. Use his name when you call Ag. They should know that name. (God knows, all of the Ag people in MY County know him.) He has now retired, but he was for years the State's top Entomologist, and he still consults for them.

I think it starts from viewing the kitchen as a work area. Rich people didn't go in there, so whatever the builder-architect specified was fine. Looking at Thomas Jefferson's kitchen is interesting - partly because it was advanced for its time and partly because its stripped of the affectations of the main house. Even though its spread across multiple rooms - it matches. The woods, the flooring, the simplicity of having only enough to do the job at hand, etc. So, I think the matchiness comes from the builders vision of what a kitchen is, with a little practicality sprinkled on. Plus, who has ever wanted to go 15 different places for their "work area" storage. Right now, I see two things. Other than matchiness has a long, long history - particularly in dining rooms. The first is that the matchiness can be soothing to the eye. It looks better in small environments where a collected look can quickly turn into a jumble. It can visually expand space by simplifying line and color and unifying the presentation of a small space. Sometimes, I think people who choose monochromatic color schemes are drawn to the almost zen feel that matchiness in monochrome can produce. The second is that two colors is fashionable right now. As anyone who has ever seen pics of 1970's decorating can attest, fashion is a strong force. I like some matchiness. That's partly cultural - I grew up in a time when matchiness was prized (I'm sure it will be again). And part is the touch of the ocd fairy - my eyes try to sort jumble - which is how a table for 12 where every chair is different and all the place settings are different appears to me. In a kitchen, I think matchiness (or unity) is the background for the focal points where you are directing people's attention.

It's natural stone; impossible to locate the same "lot" over a long period of time. You can try to come close by taking a few pieces to different shops and check against the current lots available.

The squash family is notorious for cross pollinating. Growers of ornamental types usually grow a mix. so, if you save seeds, you will get all kinds of fruits with different characteristics.