Thanks for the bump, Carrie! I just sent a message to the G.W. technical department asking if they could fix it so that the link to the instructions for posting pictures on the Cottage Garden Forum would stay at the top. They stay on the top of the page on the cottage forum.

Ingrid, I'm back with some more about Dahlias. The day is done, and now I can relax. They are pretty easy to grow here but there are a few things they need. They need good drainage with enough deep watering during the summertime. We are fortunate that we can leave them in the ground year round, rather than dig and store the tubers. The snails and slugs like them. Once they get going they are usually ok, but when they first emerge, I need to use bait. I use "Sluggo plus". The tall ones may need staking. Don't give them high nitrogen fertilizer. I throw mine some bone meal, maybe once a year(if I remember to). That's it. They really are nice, and they last a long time cut. I took a few quick pics this evening of some in bloom. Lisa

Diane, I just measured my hand… that bloom on Over the Moon was over 6 inches in diameter! I finally looked on HMF to see Sally Homes. At the base of the plant were two name plates so I wasn’t sure. I think you’d really enjoy seeing this garden. And, of course, I’d like to see photos of your visit! Va Joh, I’m so sorry you’re sick!! That’s the worst. I love hearing about your childhood adventures in Washington Park and the “exercise stairs.” I hope you get well soon, get a chance to visit the rose gardens and that you're having a Happy Birthday!!! Dave, aren’t you the person that likes Eden? I was thinking about all Eden lovers on GW when I saw that display. There are several Eden’s at the gardens and they have to be 15-20’ tall. Here’s a photo with a person (that I don’t know) in it for scale. Happy 4th of July!

Looks like there is a lot of opportunity for rain garden locations! Maybe around that tree - make the bed bigger. Or on the other side of the porch for a "book end". But I suppose you need to walk off the patio too - so you wouldn't want to be hemmed in. Looks like a lot of good options!