May is a month sandwiched by two holidays that should be among our most recognized and important. Like most others, though, their genesis and intent are largely unknown or ignored.

As gardeners, we all approach the new gardening season with enthusiasm and optimism. Then, the rain comes down hard and pelts your new plants into the ground, the nights turn cold again and some of the plants in your garden aren’t so happy anymore. That’s when you need some tried and true plants to star in your landscape, no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.

Waylon Prather and Harlan Prather are well-known names in Santa Cruz County. The San Lorenzo Valley High graduates — Waylon in 2003 and Harlan in 2006 — both went on to illustrious football careers in college, and Waylon is trying to sign with an NFL team as a punter.