I Simply Remember These Favorite Things, and then I Can Smile All Day

Episode 5, January, 2023

A Plant:

Baptisia ‘American Goldfinch’

What is there not to like about false indigo? It is a tough perennial, beautiful in flower, with handsome foliage and wonderful ornamental fruit. Not a number of species of Baptisia are native to much of the United States and Canada. I am showing ‘American Goldfinch’ in my friend Scott Beuerlein’s garden near Cincinnati. However, there are dozens of nativars available in a rainbow of colors. If my garden were larger, I’d have them all. 

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A Garden:

Powell Gardens, Kingsville, MO

Not as well-known as other public gardens in the area, but a wonderful venue, particularly for prairie native plants. Wonderful all seasons of the year.

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A Book:

A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman

Fiction. This is so much fun, meeting a curmudgeon who is so difficult tolike. People call Ove the bitter neighbor from hell, but you will soon be one of hisbiggest fans. The Swedish movie was fantastic, and has also now been made into an American version with Tom Hanks, A Man Called Otto. Try the book first!!

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Streaming Show:

No Offence. British

This is a somewhat gritty, but in a British little-blood way. It follows three female detectives, and mixes in no nonsense women, suspense, crime and even some light comedy. The characters are endearing, if not lovable. Three seasons, a very good show.

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A Place:

Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand

Including New Zealand is hardly fair, as around every corner is a perfect picture postcard. However, Queenstown has it all; water, mountains, plant life, hiking and a fabulous art scene. A little far away, but NZ should be on everyone’s bucket list.

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Watch your inbox for

my list of February Favorites.