Editor’s Letter

The polar vortex in the winter of 2018–2019 decimated the two small boxwood bushes and some of the plants in the flowerbed next to my patio, and, unfortunately, none of my revival efforts last year succeeded. The tall burning bush that the birds liked to perch in did not fare well, either, and it had to be cut back significantly. Without that safe refuge, the birds have moved on to other neighborhood roosts.

So, my first order of backyard business once the ground warms up will be to remove the boxwoods and reconfigure the area in preparation for planting a variety of hardy perennials. I’m inspired by Matthew Mead’s creations this month in “Thrifty Thinking” (pages 10–13), in which he incorporated petite pansies into delightful vignettes and pretty planters, so I plan to introduce these sweet flowers into the garden and my home, too.

After I get my flowerbeds filled in and blooming, next on my to-do list is to create a peaceful environment that will once again attract birds, squirrels and other small creatures. As I was paging through the 2019 issue of Country Sampler Gardens looking for planting tips and ideas, I found some simple and inexpensive DIY projects that I anticipate will help welcome back my feathered and furry friends. (See “Creative Conversions” on the opposite page.)

I hope these projects and the lively homes and rooms within this issue will motivate you, as well, to start planning your spring decorating endeavors, indoors and out!