The garden is an infinite source of beauty, joy, adventure and wisdom that connects us all with each other. Even in winter, the early blossoms of winter honeysuckle, daphne, wintersweet, hellebores and snowdrops bring joy, while the swelling buds of magnolia and lilac promise future delights. Spring's exuberance, summer's lushness and the full ripening of autumn's fruits are gifts the garden offers continuously.

The garden inspires me to mirror its beauty in words, painting its many faces as leaves unfurl, flowers blossom and fruits form. You can read my column, Garden Muse, in the Thursday Portland Tribune, available around town in the green paper boxes, next to last page of the front section.