Thanks for these long comments. It is nice to feel that we are doing our bit without having to rip out our gardens and start over.

JESSICA — Luckily these last snows have been light enough to not be a big danger to tree and shrub branches. Though who knows what I may find when I can actually get out and walk around in the garden.

LOREE — Spring snow melt is when we are most likely to get water in our basement and garage. The ground is still frozen at that point and so the water can't sink into the ground.

BARBARA — The good news is that the streets are clear for walking and it's warm enough to do so fairly comfortably.

BARBARA — The thinking about how to garden in general has changed so much. But don't want to throw my baby out with the bathwater.

LOREE — I am probably growing at least a dozen different Carexes, not all native. I have trouble with Banana Boat because it seems to burn easily even in a fair amount of shade. No slug problems with it that I have noticed. Much better luck with C. Lemon Zest if you can find it and C. siderosticha variegata which is green and white and resolutely trouble free. I've spent my whole life in snowy regions. The nice thing about being retired is I don't have to drive in bad weather. I can sit by the fire. We designed the garden to look good in winter, but our snow is currently so deep that most shrubs and rocks and winter features are buried.

LISA — I've bought a number of bulbs from Old House Gardens because I like the historic associations (and names!).

LISA — We look like we are finally coming out of our major cold spell. Luckily we have a lot of snow on the ground so the plants should be OK.

CHRISTINE - I am often cranky about daylily names. I don't want to grow a Lucille Ball or Elvis, which I've seen. But these names were incredible. You are right about the backstory.

I couldn’t believe those names. Just had to share.

LOREE — Hoping my system worked. We had snow again last weekend and next week is supposed to be very cold, so I am hoping all my babies make it through the winter.

BARBARA — Yes, definitely hoping for the best and some actual movement forward in our government. I read the Gilbert book and loved all the natural history info but was less enthused over the characters and relationships.

KRISTIN — I am trying to accept that the "new normal" seems to be endless chaos. Just bought a couple of beautiful design books to give me some eye candy instead of snow. I just read Mayor Pete's autobiography "Shortest Way Home'' and "Hidden Valley Road" about a family with 12 childrens; the two youngest were girls and 6 of the 10 brothers developed schizophrenia. Pete's was a quick and interesting read and the other was fascinating in terms of medicine and research if distressing in terms of one family's dysfunction. Next is "The Rise" about Black food culture, chefs, writers, growers etc. by Marcus Samuelson.

SUSIE — The Carex in the photo is newly planted but I think once the area fills in it will keep most weeds out. I also use a lot of Carex plantagenea and that does act a good weed suppressor. I am sure you could easily plant among the more delicate Carexes. I am reading a lot about using it as a "green mulch."

BARBARA — You are so right about "normal." I just want to be able to hug my friends when I see them and all sit around a table and eat and talk. A friend said at Christmas that he never realized how much coffee and conversation meant. I have read just enough about the events at the Capitol in DC to be informed but have not watched any videos. The mere fact that this happened is enough to send my blood pressure through the roof. I am terrified about the inauguration and am fearful about the safety of Joe and Kamala and their families. I am so naive for someone in the 70s; it never occured to me that police and military would join groups like the MAGA folks. Ordered plants over the weekend and have been concentrating on garden thoughts. Best to you and thanks for commenting.

Thanks to all of you for the positive response. Now I just have to do it!

LINDA — Nice to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. Love those NYTimes reviews. Always interesting to go to the library site and see how many people have ordered a hold before I got there!

LISA — It sounds like our reactions were very similar. Loree's book was so much more interesting and useful that I imagined it would be. Very Loree. I ordered the book mentioned by Jennifer Jewel called "Farming While Black."

Sent from my iPad

LISA — we get just enough big snows to make it worth our while to have a blower. Our driveway is about 65 ft. long and two cars wide. Because of the slope on the one side, Mark got a really powerful model to blow the snow high enough out of the way. Nothing I know how to operate or want to learn.

LISA — I always buy an extra glass if I get drinking or cocktail glasses, so I have one to break because I know it will happen. Luckily these won't need much washing or dangerous use!

LOREE — We have so many potter friends, that it is always fun to get glass as a change of pace.

LISA — I am enjoying this quiet time together. Today's weather is freezing and snow on and off, so I am happy not to be driving anywhere.

I just used semi sweet baking chocolate melted in a bowl over simmering water. Fruit never tasted so good.

BARBARA — Really enjoyed my baking this year and trying new treats. Enjoy your holidays and stay safe.