I have to say, one of the things I really loved back at DG was the banners at the top of the pages, especially when they changed with the seasons, or were specific to a forum. I'm sure they were a lot of work, but they made the site look very polished and professional, very visually appealing. The actual posting area was still very clean and minimalistic, but having that beautiful banner at the top really made it look pulled together. The blank, pastel banner area and very simple logo don't do a whole lot for me. Not meaning to be critical, but it looks more like something someone put together out of their home, rather than a professional site. I think first impressions will be important in drawing people to ATP. I'd love to see this site grow and become as well-loved and well-known as DG was, back in the days when Dave and Trish were at the helm. Right now I think most of us are drawn here because of our respect and loyalty for the Whittingers, but I'm not sure if I stumbled across the site randomly, that it would be visually appealing enough to encourage me to look around at length. I think gardeners in general are a very visual group, and are drawn to color. (Just a guess. LOL) Once you hook them with a very appealing, attractive website, they'll stick around long enough to find out what a warm, generous group of people hang out here!
Just my 2 cents worth. I'd like to see pictures and bright colors, especially on the home page. Give that strong first impression.
Angie
Sharon! 
no fun at the best of times, but especially when ya got 4 big dogs who just HAVE to follow Mama into the "thrown room". 
That tree really was slow growing! 
Experimenting.
