I bought my house in 1999 and have enjoyed converting the lawn into perennial gardens. In order to shorten the winter, I started growing my own perennials from seed. When I discovered it was easy to overdo it, I started having yard sales and selling the extras. Soon the veggie garden became a nursery garden, a greenhouse was added, and some very nice plants are available every spring and fall from my yard in Rewey.

In January, I start a variety of perennials from seed. I find that this allows me to provide the greatest variety of perennials that can't be found at the average garden center. And, it's a fun challenge.

For about two months, plants are grown on in the greenhouse, which allows for cooler nights, warm days with bright, natural light and air movement, which results in stronger, healthier plants.

When the weather gets beyond freezing, I move some of the perennials into the nursery garden (beside the year-old plants) and the rest remain in pots. At my yard sales, I dig them while you wait, so you get a healthy plant, ready to flourish in your garden! Or you can choose pots, if you prefer.

I also enjoy photographing flowers and gardens. I sell garden and horticultural stock photos on my Botanical Imagery site.