I grew up in upstate NY where my parents and grandparents had large gardens. Summers were spent outside. I learned how to can, pickle, cook, make wine from, and freeze everything we grew.
I left for college and eventually earned a PhD in Chemical Engineering. I worked for the agricultural chemicals division of DuPont.
Eventually I settled down on the Gulf Coast. This garden is 30 years old. Initially, I planted everything tropical I could get my hands on: camelias, palms, gingers, and citrus.
Once retired, I enjoyed going back and forth to NY where I continued the garden up there as well. Eventually, due to ill health, I could no longer travel north. I sold my childhood home and garden and became a full-time resident of zone 8b.
Suddenly the garden designed for fall/winter interest had to be presentable for all seasons.
Mimi (actually my neighbor's cat) adopted me after I retired and we have been gardening ever since.
Come watch me "keep and dress" my little bit of Eden!