The story of Larry's first plant seemed a seasonal topic.

Great story! Tell Larry I'll take 10 of those trees!

Maggie your Come Stroll Article was just wonderful. I usually don't have time to read them so I know I have been missing out.....
It kind of reminds me of my Brother and my Wife teaming up at Nurseries....I want just certain plants with certain blooms and hardiness....Next thing I know my Wife has a cart full of Coleus and Azalea's......It is very hard to explain to your spouse.....that the plants she picked out or not the ones you had planned on and by the time you are through discussing the cart full of plants .....Well it is getting dark and time to go HOME...........

Merry Christmas!!! To ALL!!!!!

Scent is by far the most powerful memory jerker, followed by sound, with sight lagging way behind. My favourite smell is smouldering garden plant waste, because it brings back memories of my parents allotment when I was only two years old. I think that is where my love of gardening stems from. I don't actually have much memory from that age, but I associate the smell with pleasant feelings, in those sheltered plots below a high stone wall, bathed in sunshime and splashed with friendly banter.

Gosh! I loved hearing from yous about the story guys – thanks!
A local guy grew the pines from seed Caro, so I’ll save some cones for you ;-)

David, about those kibitzers! I have a rule at my house. If they want it in the garden, they can plant and tend it. Since the unwise nursery choices are usually made by non-gardening kibitzers, they won’t take good care of it. Then the non-desirable plants usually croak. End of problem ;-)

Loved you sharing your olfactory memories too, Terry. I have similar fondness for the scent of finished compost because of its good memories. And thanks for adding more credence to my theory that: personal gardens always emerge from deep within.