An article I wrote for this month's Coast magazine features Lizette Gaudin's garden in Galveston. If you'd like to read it for her pre-planting tips and floral favorites, this link will transport you there.
This master gardener's additional tips on how to plan your garden can apply, I think, to anyone, anywhere. And when the weather gets too rainy, snowy or gloomy for outside activity, why not curl up with a few garden books and catalogues? One gets dropped in my mailbox (outside and online) regularly. Called Gardener's Supply, it's fun to browse. Spring will be here before you realize it!
Lizette's garden is full of color, texture and unexpected surprises. Below are a few images of her front garden. When Hurricane Ike destroyed her ancient live oak, she had an artist carve two herons from its remains:
The birds serve as one of her garden anchors; something she addresses in the Coast article.
Many residents in the historic East End in Galveston turned their dead oaks into art pieces.
In fact, they are a huge hit among tourists and locals alike.
Lizette says she finds people out on her sidewalk all of the time, taking photos of the herons.
Additional front garden views -- and glimpses of her 19th century home:
When guests look closely at Lizette's garden, they see all kinds of whimsy and little surprises . . . like a shell-encrusted vase, sea glass sprinkled on top of the soil, a little fish bobbing in her ceramic fountain, a bright purple hanging plant holder -- all of which she either collects or receives from family and friends:
These photos were taken last November; however, I bet her garden still looks like this. For many, I know it's almost unimaginable to have this look during this time of the year. But, if you find yourself out and about and run across a little something, consider placing it in your garden -- whenever that might be.
Heather and I are back from our whirlwind trip to Miami and Nassau and I have to say the weather was the best part of the trip; 80 and sunny every day!
My favorite part of the trip, other than the weather, was visiting the incredible Vizcaya. I've been to a LOT of house museums, as you all know, but this ranks in my top 5. 
Imagine a gorgeous, fantastical palace set amidst stunning gardens with views of Miami Bay and you have Vizcaya. I can't wait to share more of the mansion with you.
Later in the trip I was also able to tour the historic Biltmore Hotel in charming Coral Gables. This grand old dame was no disappointment and I wish we had stayed here for a few extra days!
The interiors appear to be original which is rare in a high end resort. I'm not sure which would be a better location for a wedding: Vizcaya or the Biltmore! 
And I can't forget the fabulous inaugural cruise of Oceania's Marina. It was the first cruise for each of us and I have to say, we're spoiled for all future cruising!
The line prides itself on incredible food and service, including the inestimable Jacques Pepin who we met, ate dinner in his restaurant (in part prepared by him) and received a signed cookbook. We docked in Nassau for a day but the best part was relaxing on our private deck with a view of the town. 
Weather, food, friends and gorgeous locations; Who can ask for more from a vacation?
Built in the 1850s, the central fountain in the plaza has become one of the prime meeting spots in the city.
Admittedly very touristy, as is much of La Rambla area, the arcades surrounding the plaza are filled with countless (mediocre) restaurants. However, if you don't speak Catalon or Spanish, the menus are available in English and it's a wonderful place to spend an hour absorbing a beautiful space in a central location. 
It's not all tourists though; while not mealtime, locals gather here to soak up some Spanish sun under the stately palms!
