Like my mom, Frankie Hill, I would much rather be digging in the dirt than doing household chores. For me, gardening is about making connections through the Southern tradition of pass-along plants. Mom’s lily of the valley, Grandmother Carpenter’s prize iris, Mrs. Chapman’s larkspur, Mrs. Birchall’s poppies, and so many others bring such sweet memories each spring. Many of my plant benefactors are enjoying heaven’s gardens now, but I continue to feel their love every time I step outside.