Dawn has broken. The gloom is gone. Remodelfla, can I just say that you have revolutionized my life. The Excel program works like a dream. I set the width/height to 0.25, with two squares equalling one inch, and away I went. It meant dinner last night was about three hours later than usual, as I couldn't tear myself away from it, but all in the name of the cause. It's sooo much easier than my ruler-and-rubber method, and I don't have to worry about being "green" in my kitchen materials, as this step alone has saved about 600 trees. Thank you!! Of course, this works only for 2-D renderings, but I can deal with that for now. Intrigued by your trajectory, igloochic ... sounds like something I would (and still might) do, starting with the BH&G package. It's like a self-given dare, isn't it? Solarpowered, thanks for the tip re. educational discount. In fact, I do work in an academic environment (medical research), so would qualify! Thanks to all for your help!

I would wholeheartedly recommend Designscapes for all of your landscaping needs. They are a wonderful landscape design/build firm that can handle it all. They service ALL areas of Long Island & the staff & crew are top notch. Designscapes is an award-winning, full service, one-stop for all your outdoor living needs. They do pools & spas; masonry work including paver patios & walkways, walls & entry piers; carpentry decks, pergolas & cabanas; and a complete design & install service. They also offer seasonal maintenance programs to take care of tree & shrub pruning, dead heading of flowering plants, mulching & cleaning out of planting beds, fertilizing & weed control, etc. I've always found them to be reasonably priced compared to other landscaping companies here on Long island and they are very reputable & stand behind their work. You can visit their website for more information. Here is a link that might be useful: Designscapes - Long Island Landscape Design and Installation

IMHO, the nicest nursery around is Atlantic Nursery in Freeport NY. I mean "nice" employees, willing to stop and chat or explain things to you. They have a web-site and a mailing list. Once you're on the list, they mail you a newsletter every few months. With coupons for free plants, weekly sales buy- one- get- the- same- free, etc. Definitely worth the drive from Suffolk County.

Overlapping photos from left to right