I'm the one who brought the rocks. I'm happy you could use them! Sorry, but I actually brought almost all the ones I had. I only have one large one left and it has more of a concrete/pebble look to it. I did want to offer it first to Sylvia's husband, since he only got one of them. But if he doesn't want it, you're welcome to come get it. Just let me know!

I love your signs and your system!

& we both harvested some chiggers, too! but as somebody famously sang (Elton John?) "I'm Still Standin'!" sort of bent over, but standin' lol! That missouribound girl has a way with plants; she was discarding more from that circular bed than I have in my whole garden! so one of today's goals is to pick up some soil & get these babies into temporary quarters. except the liriope; that goes to my friend Nick, who's a lovely person whose talents are more artistic in the indoor sense (paintings, etc). His outdoor talents are such that our goals for his place are Knockout Roses, monkey grass, & Kwanzo daylilies!

Thanks everyone for your comments, very helpful (and reassuring). Martha- We will only need about 6 inches of baseboard for the small area that won't be covered by the bookcase. I think we'll be able to get an intact piece of existing baseboardfor that. Lyndee Lee-fortunately lighting won't be an issue. The living room is flooded with light from southern and western exposures with no buildings blocking the light (9th floor). The bedroom will be a little darker, but that will make my husband happy LOL. kats737-crazy old house person here too! Elizabeth-the contractor and plaster specialist are going to discuss/make suggestions about the millwork, whether to remove the section that the bookcase will cover, or adapt the bookcase around it. We're not sure just yet. summersrhythm_z6a-We need space for many more books than a secret door bookcase would give us LOL. My husband is downsizing a library of 10,000 to about 3,000 and I REALLY need this 12-foot run of wall for one of the bookcases we'll have in the apartment.