Madroneb, Please note that the above suggestion about putting the bulbs in the fridge is coming from somebody who lives in a much warmer climate than we do. from everything I've read hardenecks do need to get cold in order to grow well but up north here our winters perfect. You want a suggestion on what to grow next. Chesnok is always a good producer, Khabar is a very hardy tough plant that gets big early...both purple stripes. German Red and Spanish Roja are awesome Rocamboles and are very common. Garlic is very light sensitive, you're right about that. I bet TomNJ can give you some good info on how length of daylight effects garlic. -bloo

Nancy...I had briefly thought sunflowers since birds could as well eat the seeds. But as you mention...not near enough sun. I absolutely LOVE foxgloves...my son bought me some for this past years Mother's Day. I worry though about the raccoon that do climb up on the fence...breaking their stocks down. But I am looking for some color to add...Rose champions are beautiful! Never even knew about them...(what I like from this forum is the knowledge of so many who do know of spectacular plants!) Cyn, funny you mention dry brushing another color to the fence...my husband is painting the remainder of that birdhouse a brown. I thought to use that...and dry brush it on the cream picket fence to mute it down a bit...but, now that you mention the red...which is the roof's top color of the birdhouse. I am pondering possibly going that route as well. (Though I was second guessing dry brushing a second color...you have made me bold in wanting to definitely do it now!) I will have to google some of the names you put for suggestions...because I am not aware of a few. I do have hostas back near that area though. Though I met one woman...who cuts the stocks before they bloom OFF! She thinks it makes them look messy. (That was the first I had ever heard if one doing that) Appreciate all your input...I am thrilled with the idea of putting something back there...besides a shrub it is amazing how tunnel vision my brain can get though. For I had thought that my only option.

Need some ideas on how to give my Windows some life. Need some serious Help

Linda - you are certainly an accomplished hostess, I always enjoyed the stories of your very large parties. Even though we do buffet, I always use "real" dishes. Years ago, Winners had cases of plain white dinner plates and dessert plates. The brand is Hotel something. I bought 3 dozen of each, they were about 10.00 per dozen. I am well stocked with silverware as well. I have my mother's, my grandmother's and a set that my MIL picked up at an auction. They are all different but lovely patterns and the set from my MIL is engraved with a "B" which was a joke between us. When she gave it to me, she said she bought it because they were practically giving it away and that I should just tell every one that the B stands for Bonaparte of whom we are descendants. I miss her so much, but laugh every time I see the monogram on the silverware!