I agree that being a northern grower creates perplexing situations regarding bloom time. Up until this year I never had much concern about Evergreen vs Dormant. Then this spring I experienced a loss on an evergreen, and some problems with frost damage leading to mush on some others that I was able to save -- all were evergreens. That said, however, this year I have tried a new tack. The evergreen that I lost this spring was planted WAY late in the season, and I'm sure had not established itself well enough, and otherwise might have survived. Also, I did not mulch, and there was little snow cover along with freezing/thawing cycles all winter long. Many of my favorite daylilies are evergreens (many Munsons) and I continue to purchase evergreens, but more carefully in terms of planting times and mulching. As for late bloomers, Orchid Corsage (dormant) is very late for me this year and still blooming now. It is a strong grower. I found this list of hardy evergreens on the web somewhere (maybe posted here?) Here is the link. Here is a link that might be useful: list of hardy evergreens

Hello folks, sorry for the delay in my response, it's a busy time of year for this industry because many adult childern come home to visit and find their parents are begining to fail and need some help. Asolo & Imabest, I will have to look up the name of the bill for the tax credit that went to Congress this year, and I will let you know ASAP. Diane, no you don't have to pay it back, the grant is small usually around $250.00 every 3 months,but that is money that could be used for respite care or RX co pays, etc. I will find my info on that and post it here.Michgirl, I assume you are in Michigan? I am too so I know all of the state and federal programs here well, I am near Muskegon, where are you? Please feel free to e mail me at lvlice@aol.com I will need more details but most likely can find you some help. I have quite a few clients that are younger disabled people. I have put in some pretty long hours and have been later and later getting hubbies dinner so I cant get the info tonight. I will have everything answered and posted by Friday at the latest.(next two days are client visit days)but I usually work at home so I can sneak in some forum time. Lisa

What do you mean by natural? I'd use a good porcelain type...Lowe's has one called Rialto that is a decent tile and easy on the wallet.

remember that the appliances that come with your home..even with upgrades are going to be substandard..experience speaking here..i am a designer and have found substandard appliances in every one i've been in as well as my own and my son's..we had to replace all of ours.. also when a refrig is built in..likely you will be stuck with the measurements of the refrig..so check that out. i ordered windows to open in and clean..and got only the bottoms tilting in..so i still have to go outside to clean the tops..not good..we have a lot of huge windows. cracks are a given..save lots of your paint. order all wood mouldings and window sills..mine are oak..if you don't..you get paper or plastic. upgrade windows and doors..and furnace if you are in a colder climate..NC no problem there.. your caibnets are likely built on spot..so there won't be a lot of adjustments..i prefer adjustable shelves..base cabinets in our home have NO adjustements..wall cabinets have some in some..none in most. if you don't use a tub..don't get it..they tend to leak..showers leak less..the tubs have poor support at the drains on the floor..find it in a lot of models..esp with side center drain on the tub/shower. I have a short block crawl with a cement floor..go high as you can, hard to maneuver down there with the beams and all..we have to use a creeper. careful where they put your vents and your access to your crawl and get the access as big as you can and easy to get to...ours isn't and if you'll look at the organizing forum..i'm planning on putting in a trap door to access my 2040 square foot of unused crawl space for storage. think ahead there. if you can order without carpet..do so..and have your own put in. as well as any wood floors. get walk in closets..the others in modulars are crap. get regular doors not bifolds or sliders avoid cathedral ceilings unless you totally love them. leaks around roof vents are common you'll want to either have a porch or some kind of roof detail over any outside doors..or you'll have water on your head in the rain..and here ice and snow..we put porches over front and back entries. you must be prepared for freaky noises the first year when it gets hot..cold..or windy..just happens.