This spring I've started pulling the garlic mustard, prioritizing 2nd year plants. My question is what to plant instead. I'd like a native for the woodland floor that will fill in rapidly to replace the garlic mustard and help suppress weeds. Any ideas?

Brookhaven/Woodmode (I've only considered the Brookhaven, though)
Greenfield
Dura Supreme
Bertch Custom.

I'm still collecting quotes, but so far the Greenfield came in around $13K delivered and the Brookhaven $13K installed. The Bertch dealer is drawing up a quote now, but he said it would be maybe $1K or so more than the framed, which are $12,000 in furniture board and almost $14 in all plywood. Greenfield only does 3/4" plywood.

Some of these lines of cabinets are not commented on much around here--Greenfield and Bertch, especially. Does anyone have any info on the relative quality and price brackets of these lines?

My kitchen is about 10x12', BTW. Thanks.

I am embarking on a kitchen remodel and compulsively researching everything. I'm onto appliances and thinking about alternative brands and finishes. I'm concerned about the cleaning issue. I currently have a bisque range (9 years old) with taupe grates. It's very pretty, but boy, those grates are impossible to keep looking good. The inevitable grease spatters get brown and baked on just in the time it takes to cook the meal. If I start with them clean, and then clean up right after dinner, It's a half-hour with Bon Ami and a blue scrubbie and there still will be resistant spots. Even hours of Easy Off in a plastic bag will not necessarily remove them all. I just replaced the grates because the old ones chipped, and the new ones already have indelible spots. Pardon the rant, but this is very frustrating!

I think the basic problem is, with taupe enamel, the spots SHOW. Maybe with the new black cast iron they will be less obtrusive? I gather that the cast iron on new ranges is still porcelain coated, just like mine.

kitchen

Even though it's not a complicated job it will take more than simply hanging the cabinets, since a little electric/plumbing may be needed, Also, there's removal of old floor, install of new, counters, tile, paint. I know I don't have the time/expertise to be my own GC. So who do I go to? Designer? GC? Both? I'm trying to keep to $30K budget, but the first contractor I spoke to quoted high $30s, and I don't think that even includes materials such as flooring or tile.

kitchen

I just don't know how to contact any Amish cabinetmakers.

Has anyone near Bergen County, NJ had any experience with Amish cabinetmakers? If so how do I get in touch with them?

Thanks!