You mentioned in your introduction that you visit botanical gardens. Do you visit other kinds of gardens too? I have visited some wonderful gardens in England - my favorite being Stourhead in Wiltshire. It is a fabulous garden with several classical follies and a lovely lake. Other gardens that I have visited in the last few years are Monet's garden at Giverny and the gardens at Versailles. They have renovated some of the huge installations there - quite amazing.

What gardens have you visited? With cold weather and short days, it is wonderful to dream about gardens!

Frances Toronto, Canada