Ann Marie O'Phelan, MFA, grew up in a northern state where colorful flowers and vivid greens laid dormant during the winter months, was quite fond of the family trips to the local conservatory where wondrous winter growth was taking place, all in the comfort of a warm environment with tall windows. Her love of vegetation had her planting her own gardens in the summer months, while later on she found herself often writing about gardening for her publications. She believes that gardens bring joy to those who stroll through them, and help in the understanding of why we should consider the environment.