2 giveaways, lavender caramels, december chores, and a new seed series debuts

I'm stuck on a Dr. Seuss riff: 'How did it get so late so soon? It's night before it's afternoon...My goodness how the time has flewn..." While that plays in my head, there are also moments of panic: Did I forget to turn off the outdoor tap and drain the lines? I'm double-checking, and doing other last-minute tasks that make up the December chores -- the year's shortest list. Most important, I'm working on memorizing another Dr. Seuss-ism: "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."

giveaway, and kickoff to a new seed series

Ever grow an open-pollinated or heirloom variety from seed, only to have it not look or taste like the photo on the packet -- or even like the "same" variety when you grew it before? Maybe not your fault! Seeds aren't like widgets; someone has to take care of the living genetics to make sure subsequent generations remain true to type. In a new series, we'll meet seed farmers who are doing that critical, demanding work, and get you shopping smarter than ever. Our first expert Q&A is with geneticist and longtime plant breeder Dr. John Navazio, and I've bought a copy of his recent book to share.  Start here! 

gifts for gardeners, w/gayla (win a fun garden t-shirt!)

Uh-oh. My Halloween decorations (a.k.a. pumpkins) are frozen solid to the front steps, and at the next thaw will become orangey puddles.  Christmas lights? Similarly a bit behind schedule -- and I haven't even pondered holiday shopping. My crafty gardening friend Gayla Trail (above) once again outshone me with homemade gift ideas, including lavender-laced caramels, herbed salts, bath "tea bags" and more.  All those, and a chance to win one of the fun garden T-shirts she designed.