Thanks for asking about the garden plans. I finally settled on a mix of perennials and annuals that should bloom from spring through fall. The bed near the porch gets full sun, so I put in lavender and black-eyed Susans. On the shadier side, ferns and hostas seem to work well. I also added a small herb patch with rosemary, thyme, and chives. Honestly, I spend about twenty minutes each morning watering and checking for pests. Last year the deer ate most of the tulips, so I'm trying repellent sprays this season. The soil here is clay-heavy, so I mixed in compost to improve drainage. If you want cuttings from the lavender, let me know. I can take some in a few weeks.

By the way, the new bird feeder attracted a lot of finches. They seem to prefer the nyjer seed over the mixed blend. I'll probably order more of that.

About that hiking trip next month - I checked the trail conditions for Mount Roberts and they are mostly clear, but we should bring microspikes for the upper sections. The forecast shows highs around 55°F, so layers will be important. I reserved a campsite at the base for two nights. We can drive up Friday evening and start early Saturday. I'll pack the stove and enough fuel for three meals. If the weather turns, there's a ranger station about a mile in that offers shelter. Let me know if you want to split the gear list. I also printed a topo map because cell service is spotty beyond the first ridge. We might see some early wildflowers near the creek. Rain tarp and dry bags are a good idea too.

I'll bring the GPS device, but make sure your phone has the offline maps downloaded. Also, I heard the bear canisters are required now, so I'll grab one from the rental office. Let me know if you think of anything else.