I've got the deck all dolled out in pink this year. Uncle Sam watches over the street from my tree. Fortunately, no one has decided to treat themselves to him. He's been there for about 8 months now. I think he's about the coolest thing I've ever seen. Barely visible through the storm door is a U.S.A. hanging plaque from this spring's craft fair. The side garden is full (to overflowing) with hostas. Granted, these are gorgeous, until they go belly-up and I have to clip them. I'm so into doing absolutely nothing and having a yard that tends itself. My way of having a house that looks good is to buy already-potted things that I can just hang or sit and water them every day. Works for me. -kdsg