Larry, you may be behind last year, but you are ahead of me. My tomatoes are only about 4 inches high, but they look nice. I actually had to start over once. I started with a poor starting mix the first time and it dried out so quickly that I gave up and started over. Even after that, I planted too many seeds and probably have 60-70 plants, but I don't have a lot of variety. Outside I have planted onions, potatoes and a few peas. I threw some corn salad seeds in the onion bed, but I think the birds cleaned most of it up before it sprouted. When we had a hail threat, I covered one onion bed with row cover just to make sure I didn't lose them all, but the hail didn't come. I think the robins are having a family reunion in my garden this year. When we get past the next 10 days, then I will worry about getting everything in.

Adding pictures to posted messages may be easier than you thought. Some forums allow you to add a picture directly from your computer. Those direct upload forums are listed under GardenWeb Galleries, and display a camera icon by their name in the main forums list. All other forums require you to store the image elsewhere on the web, then link to that image using html codes in your posted message.   The Short VersionAdding a picture on any forum Upload your image (60K or less in size) to somewhere on the web for storage. Type codes into your forum message to add the image. To create a link to the image: <a href="insert image address here">insert image description here</a>. To display the image inside the posted message: <img src=” file location and name”>. Submit the message. Adding a picture on forums allowing direct upload from your computer Type your forum message and select Preview. Select Browse button to locate and add the image file on your computer. Submit the message and image file. &nbspTIP &nbsp To simplify entering codes and other repetitive phrases, consider using a macro program. I use ShortKeys Lite because it’s free, tiny, easy to use, and works in any program. I’ve set up macros for commonly used coding like image and page links. I copy a URL, then type in my shortcut “xim” and ShortKeys Lite inserts <img src=””>, or “xu” inserts <a href =””></a>. I then paste the URL in between the “”and add a descriptive phrase between the ><. Fast, easy, and no typos! Many macro programs offer similar abilities.   The Detailed VersionAdding Pictures to Messages on Forums Without Galleries (Like Hot Peppers Forum) Step 1: Prepare your image for uploading Make sure your image is in either JPG or GIF format (with .jpg, .jpeg, or .gif file extension), and is no larger than 60K. If your file is larger than 60K you will need to reduce the file in your photo editing software. The software’s help files will give specific instructions. You can also add any image copyright or text desired using image editing software. Save the file to a new name before reducing it so you retain the original version. Step 2: Upload the image from your computer to somewhere on the web Option 1: Use the free space provided by your ISP. Most ISPs provide free space for their subscribers. Check their support website for instructions on setting up and using your personal web site space. This is a great option because you normally have plenty of storage space and the images will always be available for viewing. Option 2: Use image hosting websites such as FotoTime, WebShots, PictureTrail, or Yahoo Photos. There are many image hosting sites on the web. Follow the uploading instructions provided for the particular image hosting website. Some services do not allow displaying images stored on their site on other pages (like GardenWeb posts), some charge an annual fee, and most limit the amount of images stored, so be sure you choose a service that fits your needs. Image hosting sites mentioned are examples of possible options, and not endorsed or recommended by GardenWeb. WebShots does not allow displaying images in other sites (even with a paid membership) so you are not able to show images from WebShots in GardenWeb posts. You can add a link to your WebShots page that contains the image. FotoTime allows displaying images stored on their service only for paid subscribers. Option 3: Use Hortiplex. Hortiplex is a database of plants which is part of the GardenWeb family of websites. It allows GardenWeb users to post pictures by scientific name. For specific instructions, see Hortiplex help pages. Option 4: Use the GardenWeb galleries available on other forums. You can post images to other GardenWeb forum galleries, but these images are not stored for long, so this is not always the best option. For example, your posted message on Hot Peppers forum may stick around for a couple of months, but the image on the Garden Photo Gallery may disappear after two weeks so you’re left with a “broken” image link in your forum message. Always make backup copies of any images stored online! Step 3: Add your image into your gardenweb message Copy the image address (URL). Go to the web page displaying the image you uploaded in Step 2. In Internet Explorer, Right-Click on the image and select Properties to show the image address. Select the entire URL (including the second line if necessary), then select “Ctrl C” to copy it to the Windows clipboard for the moment. Cancel the properties window. Switch back to the Post New Message form. Paste the image address into the message as a link or a displayed image. Option 1: Make a link to the image using the URL space in the New Message form. Select “Ctrl V” to paste the URL address into the Optional Link URL space provided at the bottom of Message Preview. Add a Name of the Link to show a descriptive phrase for the image instead of the link address. Option 2: Display the image in the message itself using formatting codes (an html image “tag”). Type <img src=” file location and name”> in the body of the message. For example: If your graphic is at wherever/~smith/garden/habanero.jpg, you would insert <img src=” //wherever/~smith/garden/habanero.jpg”>. Add an extra return above or below the image to group it with the appropriate text. Step 4: Submit the message Adding Pictures to Messages on Forums with Galleries Some forums allow uploading pictures directly from your computer to the forum's Image Gallery. Forums with Image Galleries display a small camera icon next to their name on the main list of GardenWeb forums. Step 1: Prepare your photo for uploading See instructions in Step 1 above. Step 2: Type your message into the New Post form and select Preview This is the usual message posting procedure. Be sure to add a subject that clearly describes the image. Step 3: Add the image from your computer Select the Browse button and locate the file you wish to upload. Once the file name has been added, select Submit to post the message and image. Step 4: Submit the message

The yard does not have to look like a recycle salvage- the cheap/recycled pots can be camouflaged with the much nicer wood planters just like garden nursery pots. In the case of using the square storage bins or kitty litter buckets, they fit/fill a bit nicer into a square wooden box surround than round pots can. Garbage cans don't have to look garbage either- there are attractive ones out there. Or at least ones that more decorative or meant to be seen and look like pots and don't necessarily need to be hidden. They can also be handy for container growing stuff with deep roots. I container grow horseradish and salsify, and just couldn't find any pots that were big and deep enough till I found a nice trio of plain round heavy plastic garbage cans- they look a lot like the big pot on the left in the OP pic, only they came in black.

You can get more of your look but it will be easier if you embrace your love of blue and white and think less of gray:) On the plus side, newer design pics show lots of white, warm woods and less gray. I admit my least favorite thing about the kitchen is the paneled fridge followed closely by the over the range microwave which I could not even reach:) Actually, The first thing I would do is nothing since this is a new to you home. Then you can assess what really is bothering you, and your husband may relent on some changes, and you may have a better idea of a budget. In my own kitchen I did change the counters, subway tile backsplash and short apron Kohler Whitehaven farm sink. It is more vintage / cottage then farmhouse: https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~110720042 https://www.houzz.com/hznb/photos/my-pics-work-in-progress-phvw-vp~109854029 If I had your kitchen some things I would think about: Compromise with the husband - Keep wood cabinets and get new counter - maybe you will need to save up and do it in a year or so, but it is a pretty, functional kitchen so waiting is not a problem. If I had lots of storage, I might want to remove some of the cabinets on the window wall and put in a larger window or replace the cabinet to the right of the sink with shelves or a plate rail cabinet. I admit mine is more for decor then use - but I love the look. A carpenter can rework that cabinet into a plate rail cabinet. That is not cheap but if I could do that in my kitchen I would, but it is too small. I would look into whether or not ordinary doors are available for the fridge. I would replace the OTR Microwave with a vented hood. I would put up a pretty roman shade. Here is my wood kitchens idea book. Maybe something will inspire. Some are new, others are older, refreshed kitchens: https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/75202366/list/wood-kitchens