“Recently, a young horticulturist said to me, ‘Y’all (meaning older horticulturists) focused on pretty flowers and pretty gardens. It’s time to think about plants that do more. Time to give native plants an…

“This conversation is muted by soft gray clay walls of an enormous hole that’s soon to flood and then turn into a lake. On this summer Sunday morning, the mustard yellow track hoe…

“For decades, Daddy made this yard a place for gatherings, a place to roll out a slip-n-slide, and a spot vitally important for the dogs. Its useful flatness and walkability make it an…

“Robert seemed thrilled by the prospect of this buddy trip. On the folded-down back seat of my VW Fox, Robert had set up a little travel planning office complete with a bar. As…