Twenty twenty-four is coming to an end, and what a year! There seemed to be upheaval all over the globe, whether it be in politics, society, weather, ideological conflict, or the economy. Thankfully we still have the grounding elements of gardens, nature, family, and friends.
Our theme for Eden By The Bay this year has been Sabbatical, Seasons, and Seasons of Life. Sensing that life was changing, I decided to take a "sabbatical" in 2024 by slowing down and thoughtfully evaluating everything. I had the opportunity to retire in May, which opened up a whole realm of possibilities for a new season of life. I am grateful for the extra time that retirement provides, enabling me to live in Alaska for several months, and to experience a new way to live.
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| Clockwise: Big changes in the garden Family time in beautiful Alaska and the Bay Area Reunited with Dakota the Husky The joys of retirement! |
After many years of research and planning, we hired Four Dimensions Landscape Cooperative to landscape our yard in January and February. We love our new wildlife-friendly, native garden; and have spent the year learning about the new plants, shrubs, and trees, and observing them in each season. I didn't make any "movies" this year, but I did manage to try more solar dyeing projects, including poinsettia bracts and chokecherries from our yard.
We also had fun experimenting with a monthly "Field Notes" format for reporting observations and projects throughout the month. We read an antique gardening book from the 1930s to see how things have changed and what has endured; learned about several plant hunters in the Americas; and watched some films (not necessarily starring plants). It's been a year of growth, beauty, pain, and joy, and I'm grateful to have you on the journey with me!
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