Dear Friends:

No matter how dire the economy and the world itself seem to be, I am always re-energized by looking out the windows of my home. When the ground was deeply snow-covered (only a short time ago), many perennials and ornamental grasses still held their heads high. Those deadheads provided food for the birds and reminders of past glories for me. What is most uplifting is the knowledge that the cycle is recommencing. During the warm spell in March, I was already lamenting the fact that I had to choose between going outside to get the garden ready for spring or sitting at my drawing board to create designs that uplift the spirits of my clients. In spring, there aren’t enough hours in a day.

My first snowdrops have been patiently waiting for the snow to melt. They made a brief appearance in February and, in early March, they re-emerged. Soon after, the Winter Aconite and the early Crocus pushed their heads out of the ground and then I knew that I had to work in the garden so that their blossoms would not be smothered by old foliage that was waiting to be cut back.

As of now, Cleveland has had less snow than usual but I still anticipate another March snowstorm and possibly even one in early April. Never despair, however. Spring will still arrive.

Everywhere I look, I see articles on the boom in vegetable gardening. When you eventually get to the order form, you will notice that I have greatly enlarged the selection of vegetables and even some fruits. Even if you are short on space, remember that many edibles will grow well in containers. Good soil and plenty of water and sunshine are the keys to success.

As usual, during the past year, I attended several conferences. They are always a wonderful opportunity to network with fellow designers and horticulturists, hear great speakers, and see inspiring gardens. In mid-July, PPA (Perennial Plant Association) met in St.Louis which has one of the great botanical gardens in the country. The following Designers) conference. There is never enough time to visit all of the gardens and nurseries in that area nor to partake of the delicious wine that is grown there.

In 2008, I agreed to be the local site chair for the APLD national conference that will be held in Cleveland in June 2011. It will be a very exciting conference and a wonderful opportunity to show off Cleveland. Then, last summer, I was asked if I would be willing to serve as president again so I am now President-Elect of this special professional organization. Assuming both of these roles just means that I need to be more organized than ever.

As Buckeye junkies, Niki and I, along with our daughter and two Cleveland granddaughters, flew to Los Angeles to attend the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day and to spend some time with my brother and his family. Ohio State played the Oregon Ducks and won out in a very satisfying game. Our happiness was greatly enhanced by dining on delicious, crispy roast duck afterward at a small French bistro near my brother’s home.

His colleagues are constantly asking my husband Niki if he is retired yet. Happily, he has no plans to do and, in fact, is moving his practice toward mediation in which he excels and which he enjoys immensely. Youngest son Greg is an unemployed journalist in Austin. Our eldest son Andy survived the employment cuts at General Motors and, although working in a different section of Onstar, is much happier. Jennifer is still working with Niki on litigation, both civil and criminal.

Ever hopeful and ever curious, I have placed my orders for unusual perennials and grasses that will be planted in my garden as soon as the weather allows. I look forward to sharing some of them with you in May.

See you soon.

Perennially,
Bobbie