annuals do decline as the summer wears on, unfortunately. Sometimes a cutting back helps revive the blooms, but don't expect the fullsome blossoms that were there when you bought your lovely baskets. A very weak solution of plant food helps. I am having the same problem, and I wasn't gone.This weather has really done a number on everything. Pondy

What you are probably seeing is a phenomenon called "plasticizer migration." The way I explain it is that the chemicals in the plastic to keep it soft and flexible migrate into the finish and do the same there. There is no saving the damaged finish, it must be removed. What repair is needed depends upon the extent of damage. If it is not too deep some light abrasion to the surface will remove the damaged finish and leave undamaged finish. In (more or less) increasing order of aggressiveness: - Stain removal cloths - Polishing compound - Abralon pads in 1000, 2000, to 4000 - 0000 steel wool - Sandpaper no coarser than P400 - Strip and refinish Here is a link that might be useful: stain removal cloth

I know this response is late, very late, but I couldn't help myself. People who comment negatively about rosewood furniture they have not seen, should simply be ignored. Responding to them isn't worth the effort. Let them embarrass themselves. My folks bought solid rosewood furniture from an importer friend, in the 50's 60's & 70's. It is Thai rosewood that was then manufactured into furniture in Hong Kong (only the best comes from Hong Kong vs Mainland China) and exported to the US. It is extraordinary wood. Now, beginning in the late 70's, rosewood was being exploited so quickly that the forests couldn't restore themselves (it is now extinct:-). As a result, they started using greener wood. This resulted in the furniture cracking and shrinking. NEVER NEVER NEVER use wood filler on rosewood. That would be a crime. Begin by oiling the wood with Danish Watco Walnut finish oil and apply with 0000 steel wool. If you do that every 2 weeks for about 2 m. onths, it should slow down or stop any cracking or shrinking. Then, have a professional restorer/woodworker/artisan repair the cracks. PLEASE don't start trying to make repairs yourself. You'll simply damage the furniture. Oiling once every year to 2 years will keep your rosewood in beautiful condition. Later on, you can oil less often. We oiled our rosewood every 5 years or so. It depends on your climate. Lastly, congratulations on your high quality, gorgeous furniture. There is nothing like rosewood. Most beautiful wood on the planet. Good luck!

I think edgemont is in the ballpark with those figures. Quality furniture repair is sometimes more involved than one might first consider. You may find that you have more invested in the repair than the piece is worth. It takes a special person to do a proper repair of old furniture, including knowlwdge and skill. An hourly rate is scarry to some. However remember the repairman has his neck out a bit at setting a price prior to doing the repair as well There is more to a quality repair than just looking at the problem and guessing how much to charge. Suppose the repair only takes half the time I estimated, now I am in your pocket, is that fair? There is no real answer but only what you feel comfortable with. Go visit the repair man and his shop if he will let you. Talk to him about the pricing and which he thinks is most fair. Ask him to give you some ideas and thoughts on your repairs. If he is a quality repairman he should have no problem explaining his position. After your visit it is your decision to proceed or not. Good luck