"The truth is that 100 or more years ago they grew apples and didn't spray chemicals" The "real" truth is that although undoubtedly 100 years ago unsprayed fruit existed (it also exists today); the bulk of commercially grown fruit was heavily sprayed. Way farther back than 100 years ago too. The only thing that precluded more spraying wasn't the lack of available spray chemicals or the need for spray, it was the fact that it was far more labor intensive and therefore more costly. Folks also weren't as used to perfect fruit as today, so what would today be perhaps unmarketable was just fine in those days. London Purple and Paris Green were the insecticides of choice and I'd guess lime-sulfur and other mixtures of sulfur were the fungicides of choice. Dormant oils were already well understood and utilized, The aforementioned insecticides were lead arsenates which were probably quite effective at killing everything. The greek poet Homer described the benefits of the "pest averting sulfur". Olpea recently mentioned the use of nicotine sulfate marketed as "Black Leaf 40" which apparently was also quite effective, but was rather indiscriminate as to who or what it poisoned. same as the lead arsenates. No...things weren't really any different 100 years ago other than far more dangerous chemicals were used.

A question for the more informed - who and how is it determined that a species is native or non native? And is this like everything historical - that history is only what we have actually found? I personally, from observing and being involved with rugosas for quite some time now, find it difficult to believe that this species has distributed itself to the degree it now exists in the possible time allotted. I also, don't put much stock in introduction dates as more than rough guidelines.I am descended from a long line of sea captains and know from family history that these people were keen observers of plant material and brought back all sorts of plant treasures (rugosas in seed,or plant form would have traveled well and there was no USDA then.) Plus sailing the Maine coast for example, I've found rugosas in the most remote and never inhabited locations. Having grown at least 500 rugosas in my gardens for over 25 years, I really can't fathom that this species could have distributed itself so thoroughly in the possible 400 year time frame. A couple of other tidbits that regrettably I can't remember sources for or there simply weren't any: Somewhere I read that there were 'rugosa farms' in New England for the production of rose hips for vitamin C aboard the sailing ships. Also, apparently there are confirmed native colonies of rugosas in Alaska.

Roger, This will be my last response because I think the issues have been resolved and everyone is moving on to greener pastures hopefully. I think we all reached out to kpaquette because she has had a number of unfortunate issues arise during this long distance remodel. Remodeling from far away is in and of itself a stressful process, but she has had several other problems and is also dealing with an ailing cat who is a beloved family pet so we wanted to reach out and give her a big internet hug. Most of us did also point out that the sink cut out was the responsibility of the cabinetmaker and she (OP) conceded that point fairly early on. That can be one of those things that gets lost in translation. I myself have had several things slip through the cracks and I'm here everyday, but between subs speaking to my husband and also to me, we sometimes fail to communicate everything to one another. All that said, I think it's nice that you wanted to set the record straight, and as a former sales/marketing person myself I think it's important to get both sides of a story out so that the reputation of your company isn't damaged. There are many glowing reports of Texiera on here so I don't really think there is much fear of that in your case. I did have to chuckle a bit when I read you were a commercial pilot, my husband is also a pilot and even attended the Navy's Test Pilot School. Pilots tend to be a breed among themselves...very much about setting things straight and staying within the letter of the law so to speak! I hope you don't take that as an insult, it was just something I might have guessed on my own had you not mentioned it! ;-) Kat :)

mtn- I grew up in the Saratoga area, spent many evenings at harness racing- fun. BTW harness racing is also something to do in Maine at Scarborough Downs. Since you will be going to Saratoga in August the regular season will also be open. The town I grew up in is Schuylerville. At the time of the revolutionary war, it was actually called Saratoga and it is where the General Burgoyne surrendered to General Gates. I remember vividly cross country practice always included running up the monument steps. To this day I remember there are 184 steps. A couple of regional suggestions, see if you can fit in the Corning Glass Museum. RE the fingerlakes region I recently read What She Left Behind by Ellen Wiseman and got re-fascinated with the histrory of the treatment of the mentally ill. I say re-fascinated because when I was around your daughter's age I read everything I could about Nellie Bly and of course her expose about Blackwell's Island was pivotal in her life. This might make interesting tie-ins. And as you approach home territory, the Storm King Art Center and its fabulous sculpture garden is one of my most favorite places in the world.