We're in kind of a gray area, Ellen. Your plant should be hardy there w/o protection if it slides into a normal dormancy, but temperature can trump the primary trigger for dormancy, which is lengthening of the dark period. The question in my mind is, will the plant go dormant if you expose it to cold but not freezing temperatures for a week or two, then put it outside, or has the onset of growth eliminated the plant's ability to withstand freezing temperatures. I tried to reach a friend who is the president of the MI Nurserymen's Assn, but couldn't get him. I did call another nursery and asked to speak with someone about a technical issue regarding plant physiology. She sounded sure of herself, but wasn't convincing, even though what we decided as best was what I suggested in my preceding post - keep it as cold as possible but don't let it freeze - safe side advice. I spend quite a bit of time working with the folks at a local botanic garden, but I'm not sure that the expertise of the arborist or horticulturists covers something like this, but I'll let you know if I come up with something more definitive. Al

I wanted to provide an update on my winter garden efforts. =) I built a small (about 3x6) low tunnel using 1/2" electrical conduit and a clear plastic dropcloth along the back of my garden, where there is full winter sun and protection on the north side. I had a "duh" moment the other day while I was out in the garden picking swiss chard for dinner from my MONSTER plants... I transplanted them into my tunnel and they are doing great. (The "control" I left outside the tunnel is now DEAD.) We'll see how long they last through the winter! I know they'll go to seed in the spring if they survive, but that's ok, I'll have new stuff by then. And I can save seed that way too =) I also moved my parsley in there, so I can see how that does. I tried presprouting spinach and mache inside, which worked fine, and then planting them out... well, they weren't doing so hot without any protection, so I put them in the tunnel as well, and I am starting to see sprouts! Not growing fast, but growing. We'll see if they can get established enough before the weather really gets bad. And finally, I have lettuce sprouting inside a milk jug (wintersowing style), inside the tunnel. It is tiny right now, but green and healthy looking! I figured it would get "double protection" that way and might make it. My husband just rolls his eyes, but I tell him, "Hey, this will keep me sane through the winter, so humor me!" And he really does, he helps a lot even though he's not really into gardening! Helped me get my new community garden plot cleared and tilled this spring (after five years of neglect), built me raised beds at home, and he even thinks to get grounds for the compost heap when he's at the coffee shop =) >sorry had to brag on him a little!Anyway, I am excited to see what will happen! All the tips from posters here are such a help! Lori

To follow up, I spoke to my friend about her build. She called it 'value engineering', in that she saw it as effective but not super pricey. Inside wall surface will be simple drywall. 2x6 construction with R15(?) fiberglass. Outside covered with 1/2" plywood, then 1" foam sheets, then "that spirally Tyvek stuff", then adobe. Total will be around R25. Attic will be R54, fiberglass bats, though she said she might start with 1" foam foam against the roof. (Roofing is concrete(?) tiles.) There is no basement, but the house is off the ground. She said the perimeter will be sealed with spray foam. Garage will be either 1" foam or fiberglass, depending on budget. For HVAC, they are going with two mini-splits, each with separate 'heads' for each room or area. Unused rooms will have the temps set high which should keep the units off. There will be an ERV. They are also considering solar, but some time down the road. Five to 10 kilowatts.

shielajoyce - Are you referring to the part of the baseball cap that projects out over the face - as in the "front" of the cap? I ask because I had a feeling that this was what you were referring to in your post. I paid a ridiculous amount two years ago to buy one for my husband because he needed a new one (and it had to be black or navy). The front part of the cap had "lines" in it and looked different than his old ones - and he didn't really like it. It did have the adjustable strap at the back. This year he bought 3 new ones - and I made sure he was with me to try them on. Despite some looking the same as others on the rack they did not sit the same on his head - cut I guess. The ones he ended up with were of course more expensive but look a lot better on him. Of course, everything is more expensive in Canada!