Our yard is full of subterranean rocks. They are actually our most successful crop. While we find many little "seedling" rocks, there are also plenty of full grown whoppers. In order to dig holes for most plants, we just remove a rock or two. Sometimes a boulder. The medium sized rocks make nice borders for the gardens, while the really big ones serve as seats, strategically located not far from where we discovered them. Frisky tries to help with moving the rocks, but she does have limits.

Many of our plants were started from seed. We are continually collecting and experimenting with both native and exotic plants, obtaining seed wherever the opportunity arises. In Frisky's enthusiasm, she does not adequately discriminate between acceptable plants and those that we label as weeds. The next photo shows the results of one of her more energetic collecting episodes.

After all the work is done, the reward is a yard full of interesting and beautiful plants. Frisky does not at all mind posing for the camera with some of the more impressive specimens, such as the caladiums shown below.

Although we don't have a designated vegetable garden, we sometimes grow edible crops, scattered throughout the flowers and other ornamentals. Many vegetables do not do well because of overcrowding, lack of sufficient water, or intense summer heat. However, we have had luck with carrots, as Frisky proudly shows off in the following photo. She happens to be posed on one of the boulders that she assisted in digging up in our yard.

Besides our own gardens, Frisky takes great interest in traveling to other private and public gardens. One of her favorite destinations is Zilker Botanical Gardens here in Austin. It is a short drive for us and we go there at least every other week or so. Early in the morning, when it is still cool, Frisky especially enjoys the antics of squirrels, and appreciates the many ponds and waterways provided for quenching her thirst. The numerous paths and walkways make it easy to negotiate the many different areas of the gardens. She also takes an interest in the unusual plants at Zilker, such as the large smooth agave shown below.

Larry's mother, Julia, has always kept extensive gardens around her house, with both beautiful flowers and productive vegetables. When Frisky accompanies us on our visits, she likes to inspect the gardens and see what happens to be blooming. She also likes to chase grasshoppers, cats, deer, squirrels, rabbits, and the occasional opossum she sometimes encounters.

There is a new arboretum being developed in Waco and Frisky has been visiting it since it was first opened. Although it looks like she is walking in the flower beds, she is actually on a very overgrown path and even had to be coaxed before she finally stepped gingerly between the sprawling plants.