In 1776 philosopher and writer Thomas Paine famously penned, “These are the times that try men’s souls.” They were indeed, as the Revolutionary War raged, dividing the populace. Never having experienced a war on American soil in my lifetime, I can only imagine how those people dealt with their day-to-day’s, with no idea what direction tomorrow might take. For many folks the current corona virus pandemic has triggered that fear of the unknown, perhaps mirroring the initial confusion brought about by 9-11. 

Pack a punch with native plants and attract pollinators at the same time. A Carolina fence garden is a great way to set aside an area in a home or school yard that will be easy to design, install and maintain. Using native shrubs and perennials will also give the landscape plants with a purpose.  There is a native plant for every square inch of this garden. 

I am a person who loves words. I mean I REALLY love words. How they sound. How they feel in my mouth. The feelings they invoke. The ideas and thoughts they convey. Words matter and so using the exact right word is important. Mark Twain said that the difference between the almost right word and the right word is the difference between a lightning bug and lightning. And he couldn’t be more right.