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Surrounded by roses of nearly every color in the rainbow, I smelled vanilla, spice and honey. The sun peaked in and out of the clouds allowing the vivid hues of the petals to change with the light. I was enjoying the garden of rose aficionados Mark and Lane Maloney of Scotts Valley. Among their 40 rose bushes I was to learn how an expert cares for these beauties.

The salmon season started April 5 with great anticipation. Anglers were not sure what to expect with rumors of fish and baitfish in the bay, but no positive reports.

When I visit my best friend's house, I park next to the perennial border that lines her driveway.

It was Easter Sunday. I was 17 years old. I had a new hat and I was about to go to hell, of that I was certain.

April 1 brought a new season to harvest abalone in California. This comes as no April fools joke; the season is serious for sport fishing. There is no commercial harvest allowed for any abalone in California.

There are so many great plants that don't require a lot of water to look beautiful. It's always a plus if they attract hummingbirds and other wildlife. Some favorites are so reliable that we consider them tried and true. Who doesn't want to include more plants like this in the garden? On the lookout for cultivars of old favorites, I came across a few that I plan to include this year in my own garden and also in upcoming drought tolerant designs. I'm excited.