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It’s December 1 and I’m already starting to feel desperate for plants to gaze upon.  Yeah, I know this is only Zone 7 and I’m a total wuss when it comes to winter.  But it’s still a long time before the hellebores bloom and in the meantime, how about this gorgeous photo, suitable for any computer?  Garden Design Magazine offers this and some other fabulous shots in various computer screen sizes.  After selecting one, right-clicking will give you the option to "select as wallpaper."  Just trying them has perked me right up.

We gardeners don’t pay enough attention to buildings, much less out-buildings like garages and toolsheds, but damn, they play a greater role in making our properties look good – or not – than all the plants put together.  And my architect neighbor demonstrated that recently by building (and I mean building himself) what he calls a casita in his back yard. He also calls it the most overdesigned toolshed ever built, but I guess he couldn’t help himself.  (Hell, gardeners overdo gardening as a point of pride!)

Now check out the casa that inspired this casita, also designed and partially built by the same owner/architect.  At the top of the driveway on the left you can spot  its offspring.

Next up is some landscaping around the casita, and I’ve been asked to help.  (Oh, goody, another chance to pretty-up my street.)  And starting with a building that’s downright adorable, you just know it’s going to be fun.

[You've seen a glimpse of this house before and because it's directly across the street from me, I see it all the time.]

Since I’ve outed myself as an Elderblogger, I might as well share a front-page story about this very blog and yours truly that ran in D.C.’s newspaper for the over-50 set last January.  After a bunch of stuff about local bloggers Gabe Mirkin and his wife (he’s a MD/fitness guru), the writer finally gets to the good stuff. (Me, me, me!)

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Okay, so flying this particular flag isn’t exactly a show of independence here in Takoma. Sporting a Bush ’04 bumper sticker would be more like it, or driving a Hummer.  But the point being that today we can celebrate what’s best about this country in whatever way we want – almost.

Heather Galindo, a gardening writer with the Houston Chronicle, recently listed this humble blog among four she considers "must reading," and had these generous words to say:

"Well Rounded: Takoma Gardener.  Also a marvelous writer, Susan’s posts are always informative, full of ‘go get ‘em’ spirit, and activist-minded. She’s a terrific garden designer and an actual, real life Gardening Coach. ‘Drop and pull 20 weeds!’ Okay not quite like that, but man, I wish she was near here rather than in the DC area to coach me. Just today, her blog convinced me to try overseeding our small, pathetic yard with clover. I’ll report back on that later."

Heather went on to demonstrate exquisite taste in her choices of Amy Stewart, Michele Owens and Kasmira – all favorites of mine – as the other must-reads. 

Heather, the next time I’m in Houston you’d better believe I’m stopping by your place for a coaching session – off the clock.

[Photo:  Brookside Gardens in Wheaton, Maryland.  Great site for free outdoor concerts.]