The veranda outside my office is my only thriving garden. The planters out front have all shrivelled and died in the summer sun. The plants on the deck have died, too. But my peppers and basil and lavender all thrive because I seethem and remember to water them every day. I think I will bring my other plants up here to revive them.

Birds and butterflies visit my veranda. I love the trees that surround our house. I will miss this view when we move.