I went silent for a few days--it does happen occasionally--and didn't respond to comments on this thread as I intended. But I'm back for a few remarks. I like it when people write back and certainly want to encourage you folks to keep on doing so. I think the difference between the rage level caused by a fallen tree and animal damage is that the animal damage is pure loss, while a fallen tree has a good deal to offer: mulch, wood for terracing, steps, firewood perhaps. We have wild boars, mice, and, recently and by far the worst, roe deer. So far fencing the garden with flagging tape has kept the deer at bay. Apparently we have wolves moving into our area, and, if the sheepherders can figure out how to protect their flocks, perhaps the wolves will turn their attention to the deer. It's a wild world here in the hills. Concerning garden design opportunities opened up by this, uh, opening, well, yes, unexpected events do get my creative juices cheerfully flowing. This is pretty simple, though, just an extension of the pergola. Everything else ought to stay pretty much as before, though I have set to work on some tasks I'd had in mind for a while, developing the paths and steps down in that area, and maybe I'll add a seat. The additional light won't make a lot of difference one way or the other, I think, except that lilac 'Charles Joly' will probably appreciate the change. Gean, and others, if you do start planning a trip to Italy, keep us in mind. We have room for guests and I certainly do love showing the garden. Rose season starts at the end of April and runs through about mid-June but is heavily conditioned by the weather. This year with our very rainy gray spring (my fingers keep wanting to type sproing, which is an apt description of the season) the warm climate roses have been somewhat iffy--better recently as it's warmed up--while the once bloomers have been generally glorious. But even in bad years there's always something to see. Melissa

I was just showing the cut to get clarification as to the co-dom being cut back and "then" forming a branch collar just below or at the red line location. I would have no worries taking the co-dom leader out now...with the exception if the wound would not close properly. That would be my only concern. As for the 25% or less guideline I look at if from a case by case basis. Typically I follow it for trees in leaf but rarely follow it for dormant trees (ecpseically when it comes to thinning for established trees). I just took out more than 25% canopy (mainly thinning and sucker removal) of several 50' dormant Lindens and their health improved dramatically after the new construction. AS I mentioned I always like to look at it from a case by case basis.

Edna you are in the wrong place if you think we will EVER say no to brug pictures lol Ok I was going to say that I love the 10 picture one. Got the answer to that one. How awesome. I also like the 1st one very much. Looks like a baby angel. Nevertheless they ALL are gorgeous and you must think you are in heaven!! Lucy

Cheryl, we almost dropped that drawer too. The Kitchenaide mixer has it's own cabinet with this stand that pops out. We kept looking at things we could drop to save money, like I said... not wealthy at all.. lol.. but it would not have affected anything so we threw it back in. I tell ya what though, you can still have some pretty darn cool drawers and cabinets and such out there aftermarket. Don't give up on your paper towels! ;) Like I tell my wife (AFTER I got the kitchen.. lol).... I can cook on a $200 stove, but this gives me more fun when I want it....but a lot of times, it is the same old thing as you guys. The problem I run into is it is sooooo easy to remember you are on a budget and go "I can cook this and this and.." yea.. vicious :P BUT.. next week, I am doing Scalopini de pollo, or however it is spelled ;) R