I only looked at this because I thought it might be the China Doll rose! What a shame you got no replies back in November when you posted your query - now I too am wondering how you're going and whether your special plant has survived. Although I don't know anything about this particular plant, I would still immediately remove that plastic you have covering the soil. If you were pulling stems straight out of the ground, my guess would be the roots have been rotting, due to the warm, humid, airless conditions created by the plastic. A quick google tells me this plant is indeed liable to root rot. Other than that, I'd read up on this plant and it's particular requirements - it does sound quite fussy though so please don't be too distressed if it doesn't make it. If it doesn't survive, why not go to a proper garden centre or nursery and ask them to recommend a good beginner's plant - indoor or outdoor if you have a garden, and ask them, and google, for instructions for its care? It might be the start of a wonderful new hobby, and what could be a nicer tribute to your dear Dad - being a gardener himself, I'm sure he would be so pleased, but I'm also sure he would hate for you to stress out over it. Best of luck, Comtesse :ì)

Graham, your question is sorta like asking what type of gun is best. There are tools and guns for different purposes. The two things that give me the most problems are my aging body and the weather. If you can find a way to control either, you will be in great demand. I garden about 2000 sq. ft. which is small by most standards. Two tools I would not want to give up are my wagon to to haul compost, mulch etc. and a small hand tool that is much like the Ken Ho weeder. I even have one that I put a long aluminum handle on. You might get a better response if you ask this question on some of the gardening forums. Best of luck on your project. Larry

He's charming!! What do you want to know? Obviously he has no patent number...nor any listing in a catalog. Someone maed him for a show they were putting on. I don't know what character Mr Bun might have portrayed....perhaps Brer Rabbit? Don't worry about it...I would guess he is late 19th century or early 20th....and hand made....and just a wonderful fast running Jack Rabbit. Linda C

Workspace-wise, the second one is better...if you move the 36" range "up" so you have at least 24" b/w it and the pantry. Seating at the island in the second plan is also more conducive to conversation b/c people are facing each other and not sitting "like ducks in a row" (like the first one). However, I'm not sure you'll be able to fit 4...you need 24" of linear space per person. (I'd have to "measure" to be sure. 1 box = 6"x6" Notice the overlapping of the seats (each seat is 24" wide). The other issue is leg/knee space...the two end seats are sharing the same leg/knee space and that will only work for very young children (toddlers, really). Each person needs a 24" wide x 15" deep leg/knee area...i.e., no sharing of space! Realistically, I think you only have room for 3 seats. In both plans, though, I don't think there's enough room b/w the table and island to accommodate seating at both locations. We also have a corner pantry and really like it! But, be aware that at 4'x4' it's more of a "step-in" pantry than a "walk-in". However, it will hold a lot more than the pantry in the first plan will. (Ours is 41" x 51".) What are the actual dimensions of the space?