Hey Lori, I see you are one of my allies in the war against clear-cut logging. One of my last major art exhibitions was a group show I organized with 25 Alberta artists, the theme of which was clear-cut logging. Very successful show, with 3500 people attending over the 3 weeks. CBC radio interviewed me, followed by a CBC TV mini-documentary.
I'll post 2 of my paintings if I can ever figure out how to do that. Best, Laurie

Lori - I just finished and posted the Order form for our Master Gardeners plant sale...was talking to my girls today about what we will order- including several flats of pollinator plants , herbs, and hanging baskets. We use a local grower who grows all neonicotinoid free seed, and we sell to our group at 30% over wholesale. My grandson can't wait to grow his own broccoli and carrots! And "green stuff for Tank" - their 75 lb rescue tortoise . Last year he kept his own pot of marigolds alive for 4 months. Now if I can teach him to weed!
Just thinking about the gardens makes me not mind winter so much.

Thanks, @loribmt. Yes those dang gremlins struck in force last week when I lost connections to internet, smart tv and....landline phone!! Hadn't realized how dependent I was for "cyber support/diversion" until the three day "fast" sent me to in-office local provider who scheduled a tech visit on...Saturday. Hard to believe but oh, the relief for getting "re-instated" with my favorite cyber sitters!!!

Yes to trees and the lives they support! My first gallery purchase was a lovely lithograph of bare trees overhanging a stream. Many years and purchases later, it remains my favorite.

How lovely to live near a woodland with wildflowers and the occasional deer visitor. I cringe at the thought of logging. Living in a city and arid southwest part of the country, we have to drive many miles to experience a forest.

Favorite flowers??? Oh my, that reminds me of our little 5 yr old's question to his mom when told a little brother was on the way: "But Grammer will always love me best, right Mom?".... Depends on the season, what survived the winter, what new treasure I've found to add...smiles. Can tell you my favorite hands down veggie though!

While it is always a pleasure to gather tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, cantaloupe, okra, green onions and herbs, Swiss Chard is the hero that continues to live and produce throughout the winter! A late introduction to chard by a neighbor, I was thrilled and amazed that my first seeds sprouted and flourished that first winter.

What are your favorites in the garden? Do you have valiant warriors that return year after year that provide the foundation of what you add?