Hey Dee, google "Brand X Foliage Cleaner" (sorry I can't link it, I'm on a work computer). It's an amazing, non-toxic foliage cleaner that gets rid of most hard water spots, while also making the leaves "slippery" enough that mealy bugs and scale cannot adhere to the plant. I literally can't say enough good stuff about the product and use it on all my (non-fuzzy) plants.

Hi Lily! I was really hoping you would pop in and put your two cents in regarding my post :). You are how I first heard about Donohue’s as well and you seemed really pleased with your order. Plus I love your garden and the look you are going for. And thank you for your vote of encouragement. I can’t wait to get them and see how they do! I, too, was really drawn to the coloring of CdB. She looks like the contrast between the leaves and flowers will be stunning. I would love to see more pictures of your clematis if you get the opportunity!

Thanks again, Larri. You’ve given me a lot of good ideas and fuel for thought. Just the idea of turning a simple rolled hem, has given me room to think more broadly on this binding task. I haven’t yet purchased any wooly nylon, but I think it will/can work in a sewing machine. I looked into decorative stitches with just a sewing maching — my serger only does a (forgot name again) ~ overcast likestitch, overlock stitch. But I remembered that Aside from machines with fancy “embroidery” stitches, I also have a Distinctive(r) Braiding Foot. And as I thought more about the hem/binding, I appreciated that since there is a lot going on with the colorful floral pattern, anything fancy on the hem might just get lost. So I may just make a 3/4th inch hem (or 1/2 inch) then just stitch something like a machined feather or Greek key, duck or tulip stitch atop it. I saw a video of an Indian sewist using a very inexpensive plastic Sm (sewing machine) to create a simple binding design of two opposing scallop pattern that made an oval. like this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qeQft7ZBiA (Near end of video) Thanks to you, I am more confident that I can come up with something nice. At least I can just do something reasonable and get it finished. Quilters have a saying, something like “finished is better than unfinished ‘perfect’.” I will try to post a photo of the end result. Thanks again for helping me get unstuck.

My DD and her fiance came out, and my dad treated us all to lunch at one of my fav local Mexican food restaurants. I’m still thinking of my veggie chili relleno with queso fresco. Ahhhh. I wish I could eat it every day. :) I tried to convince them to move in with us, but they won’t. I’m not doing Empty Nest Syndrome well. I want to be with her every day. It’s been years since she moved! She’s 27! When do I get used to it?!