Outside my window a Townsend warbler feasts on suet. It’s a rainy day and my obsession with low water use plants is momentarily taking a break. Each day the soft colors of my fall garden are becoming brighter and more vivid. Backlit leaves take on a whole new look. There are so many ways of combining plants in the garden. I’m taking notes so I remember my favorites to include in my own garden and future designs. Fall is a good time for planting or planning.

John “Jack” Ralph Hutchison, Jr. passed away peacefully at home in Soquel on October 18, 2015 surrounded by his loving wife, Alice Elizabeth, and four of his children. He was 96 years old.

Andrew Burgess was born on November 28, 1953 and deceased on October 15, 2015.

“The Last Noel” by D. Richard Tucker, is a film noir spoof about Christmas-time in Seattle. It is a murder mystery and comedy that is directed by local theater veteran Robin Aronson. The production opens Friday, November 20, and runs four weekends through Sunday, December 13, at Ben Lomond’s historic Park Hall, 9400 Mill Street.

She was born November 14, 1990 and died on November 2, 2015, when her car went over an embankment on East Zayante Road. Deeply loved, she will be missed. Jennie, as she was called, was a very accomplished young woman and had a bright future. Her friends and family will miss her deeply.

Wondering what is being built on Scotts Valley Drive between Scotts Valley Sprinkler & Pipe Supply and Scotts Valley Car Wash? It is the 128-room upscale Lexington Hotel.