Perennial geranium (not the bright red annual polygonatums that you see everywhere) makes a nice, zero-maintenance filler/edger as does Nepeta (aka, catmint). Caryopteris/blue mist shrub is low-growing & low-maintenance where I am plus it has a mild fragrance and attracts pollinators. Chelone (turtlehead) makes an appearance in late season with pink or white blooms (shaped like--you guessed it, a turtle's head) when not much else is blooming + it attracts bees. Dicentra/bleeding heart is a springtime bloomer that I've always found was high-impact but zero maintenance, either the species (red) or hybrid 'Alba' (white). If you have a bit of shade, snakeroot (Cimicifuga racemosa) is zero maintenance. Its fluffy plumes of white flowers attract pollinators and is another late-season bloomer. Another interesting perennial is Trycirtis hirta/toad lily--unique flower shape and one that blooms very late in the season. The bees love it. It prefers shade but I have it growing in part sun. You might be interested in a book entitled 'Perennials for Every Purpose' by Larry Hodgson since it allows you to narrow in on what you're attempting to accomplish in your garden beds.

I just upgraded from a queen to a king and I love all the extra space.. would never go back unless the room really cannot fit a king (like, banging your shins constantly). My DH's back hurt and he wanted a super expensive adjustable bed, but since Costco will take mattresses back, we ordered the Roseshore Firm from there. We love it! If it hadn't worked out for us I would have tried another Costco mattress because of that return policy. Mattresses are expensive and you don't want to be stuck with something uncomfortable. You can order from Costco.com and return to any store without being a member, I think you just pay something like 3% more.

Still no beds. Hayden2, thanks for the suggestion. I laughed about the mention of decorator rooms. The boys' rooms (and furniture) are covered with their stickers, signs, artwork, etc. they have definitely made their rooms their own! So the boys actually have no interest in choosing the beds. The other week we were driving home and saw a warehouse-type place with a banner for a big furniture sale so I pulled in -- the 9 and 7 year old plopped down in chairs by the door and only the 5 year old was willing to walk in with me. I asked him which bed he liked and he said "it doesn't matter mom as long as it is not broken. Can we go home now?" :-) At this rate I will be happy if we get their beds before Thanksgiving.

A queen bed mattress is 60 inches wide 80 inches long. If the bed goes on the ten foot wall? You will have 30 inches on either side for bed side tables, and 52 inches from the foot of the bed to the opposite wall,......minus the depth of the dresser ( 20 inches ) leaving you 32 inches to walk and open drawers . If it goes on the eleven foot wall you will have 36 inches for side tables, and 40 inches to the wall and 20 to open drawers and pass by: ) It's.....................MATH. Keep the headboard sleek an upholstered, skip a foot board if possible Obviously, I don't know where the closet is, nor any other passage. Make a drawing. Take a picture. Avoid a double. Two people in a double are sleeping in less than crib space, ( 27 inches each ) Which is what happens when two folks share a queen. Each has a long "crib", 30 inches wide. They will be sleeping. Get the queen........No CLUTTER . Best mattress you can afford, good sheets. an assortment of bed pillow, and layers for warmth or less warmth. Good lighting at bed side. CLEAN... no junk in the closet.....no extra anything that doesn't go to the comfort of the guest.