When I’m not writing about math or literacy, I find myself in the garden these days. This summer I planted mini-succulent gardens in pots. These will only be watered about once a week when I begin traveling again, so they have to be drought-tolerant.
We have a great sprinkler system, so it’s color galore in the rest of my gardens. Just planted the summer beds full of hardy stuff that loves the heat. Decided to tuck herbs into the flower beds in the front, since Hercules doesn’t hang out there and tranple them. I love cooking with fresh herbs! So I’ve got lots of basil, thyme, marjoram, sage, rosemary, and Italian flat-leaf parsley.
In the back are the really tough plants. Knockout roses that bloom 12 months a year here. Lots of butterfly-loving plants abound.
Trying succulents this year
Thyme as the centerpiece in front beds
Summer color in front of my house
Butterfly-lovers in the backyard
Debbie Diller 
Beatiful, thanks for sharing!!
Hi Debbie- How is it posssible I have been an educator with a special focus on beginning reading instruction for 30 years & not heard of you unil now! A friend, knowing I was prepping to teach a course on differentiated instruction, clued me in!
I ran right home and quickly ordered 3 of your books. I am actually teaching 2 university classes in July. The one mentioned above and one on emerging literacy!
I am so excited to share your materials with both groups of students. Your newest book, “Spaces & Places”, is done so well. New teachers are generally overwhlemed by all they have to learn and implement in those first years that a book like this is a huge gift!
My daughter just graduated with her teaching degree and this book is a part of the “first year Teacher” survival kit I am making for her.
I hope someday to see you presenting a public workahop somewhere in Washington State.
Respectfully,
Betsy Norton
Bellevue, WA
Betsy,
Thanks for writing. I started teaching in 1976 and have been writing since 1983. However, much of what I wrote never had my name on it (teacher resource materials) until 2002. So, you’re not behind the times! I’m glad you did find my books whenever you found them! I’ll be in WA this summer, but am working with a school district. Thanks for including my work in your courses and giving it to your daughter, too. Love the “survival kit” idea!
Debbie