This is a great question, I've enjoyed all the posts. I haven't had a real rose garden since 1995. The bloom I most looked forward to then was not remontant, but the best moment in that garden was when Madame Legras de St. Germain threw out her sweet, prolific blooms up the front of the garage and over the door. I am still in structural mode in my new garden, improving soil and building paths and arbors, etc. It will probably be 3 more summers before I plant new roses. So hard to wait!!! @ gardenerzone4- Molineaux should be fine for you, I saw it growing in the Minnesota Arboretum this summer. I believe they used soil and mulch at the base of the plant for winter protection. DH is trying to convince me to grow it since he is a philosopher who loves the name as well as the color.-- Also, I am curious about your italian roses, what do you do to winter protect them? Erin

Company name: e-doors.com (The Door Superstore) Web address: www.e-doors.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 4 stars Comments: Marty was very helpful and delivered a beautiful entry door for a very reasonable price. I'm giving this supplier 4 stars instead of 5 because after I made the order, I felt there was a little bit of a lack of communication. I would have liked an email order confirmation and shipping notification without asking. However, the door arrived in great condition and I'm very happy with my purchase. He was also quick to follow up and ship some brick mould that was missing when we went to install the door free of charge. Company name: Art Tile Direct Web address: www.arttiledirect.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: I got a great deal on the tile for our kitchen back splash and fireplace surrounds from Christeen at art tile direct. She sent me lots of samples for no charge to help me make my decision. She is able to make custom art tile when given a line drawing or you can choose any color combination for any of her existing art tiles. Field tile is also very reasonable. I would highly recommend. Company name: Vintage Tub and Bath Web address: http://www.vintagetub.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: I ordered my cast iron clawfoot tub and faucets from Vintage Tub. They were a pleasure to work with, had great communication and held my tub in the warehouse until I was ready to have it delivered. The faucets are beautiful and I would highly recommend. Company name: 1 Stop Lighting Web address: http://www.1stoplighting.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: Very good customer communication. After placing my order, one item was discontinued, but they "compensated" me for the inconvenience by giving me a 10% off coupon on my entire next order, which worked out rather nicely when ordering lights for an entire home. Their search feature is a bit antiquated so it may be hard to find things online, but they are a great company. Company name: Lamps Plus Web address: http://www.lampsplus.com Your overall recommendation ( 1 to 5 stars): 5 stars Comments: Well established lighting company. Good customer service and price on products. Items arrived quickly and as described.

Love Hanna Anderson. When DD was younger, I had a field day with their clothing. Especially loved the pj's. I actually would buy "Christmas" pj's - matching for DD & me. Their clothing is not inexpensive, but you can't wear it out. Also, HA used to have a policy wherein you could return clothing which was outgrown and they in turn, provided same to women and children in need. Great way to give back. My favorite baby gift is the sweater set. It's a splurge, but make a really nice gift once the baby arrives. Oh, and the tatoo thing. I don't mind tats at all. Just lived through the popularity of the super low jeans and the tatoo right above the crack of these young girl's butts. Not a very feminine look and combine it with a pair of thong panties meant to hang out above the jean line. UGH Worked with way too many young female file clerks who thought that was an attractive look.

bmorepanic, You might have Autumn Joy in the wrong place- (too much shade?). Mine never reaches 4 feet high. But, if you wanna keep it where it is, try pinching the new growth when it's about 8-10' high- that might keep it more manageable.(And you can always use a plant ring- I finally broke down and bought several from Lee Valley that are like a grid supported by green plastic covered wires. Put them in place before growth is too high and let plant grow through grid. No more flopping!) And part of growing the right perennial is putting it in the right place- which is why my customers really appreciate my input, and most of my business is either repeat or referral. It's totally blown me away that I seem to care more about my $10 sales, than my suppliers have for many many thousands of $$$. Our windows took 6 months to finally all get installed correctly- we were offered no discount or recompense for the delay and hassles (long story- won't go into it here). Not that I would EVER delay an order by six months, but even if I'm a week or two behind (I sell seeds online), I always include bonus packs. And to carry the Autumn Joy analogy further- in your garden it doesn't work, in mine it looks good 8-10 months of the year- a definite winner. Lots of people love their marble, though I love the look, I KNOW I could not stand the extra care needed and that I would be bothered by marks, stains, etc. So, because it doesn't work for me, doesn't mean it's not an appropriate choice for someone else. BUT, this is where it behooves the supplier to inform the client- it bugs me to no end how much research is required for every single item. It certainly is a Buyer Beware atmosphere out there- some have lucked out in getting really good GCs, but for many, and for those of us DIY, it's a huge ordeal to have to investigate the pros and cons of EVERYTHING. (Sorry for the OT rant- I'm just so tired of all the work) Anyhow, had to go check my favorite shoes- I kid you not- they are called "FUNCTION'by Solidus. Well, I thought that was the name, cuz that's on the sole- but I think that may be their motto. Here's a pic- Have worn them to two weddings- didn't mind the lack of fashion as I danced well into the night at both of them.