As winter sets in here my wife and I always look towards warmer environs.  This time we are off to Cambodia, Viet Nam, and Myanmar, from where I hope to get the material for this round of blogs.  We will be gone a month, so it will take some remembering and note-taking to keep everything in mind.  Fortunately, aging has made me more comfortable using ‘aids', like notes and pics. 

Right now I am in a bit of a quandary about my own garden since I tell myself that I can pull back on watering for the month even though it is relatively cold but just not as wet as I would like.  My roses are pruned and everything is mulched, so off I go.  Our house and animals are being looked after by a very dear young couple who have done it before, so we have some confidence that they will do a good job.  Sometimes there are botanical prices to pay, but I figure whatever doesn't make it will open up a spot for something new.  The animals, however, have always done well under their care.  They also have to look after hummingbirds, local birds, and fish.  So, they have a full month.

I think that it is because we often take off for a winter trip, I don't go overboard with winter flowers.  I just put in many bulbs and hoping that by the time I get back, they will be popping up.  On the one hand, the garden is somewhat drab and uninviting, but with new plantings, in place, it embodies hope and springtime. 

I feel bad that I don't have more of horticultural interest to report on.  It is like the plants themselves – they have their own time.  I am getting old enough that my thoughts are dominated by the hope that we return in good health – taking lots of sunscreen and anti-malarial meds.  I'll be thinking about you and the prospects of my garden and wishing you all a good month, with lots of happy planting.  I would say enjoy smelling the roses, but that is for another season.