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As I write this it is a cold overcast day on the western shore of Lake Erie. The wind is cutting. Flurries are in the forecast. It is a typical February day in southeast Michigan.

So, it is with that opening that I invite you to bask in the pages of this issue of MONROE magazine. Warmth. Flowers. Gardens. Remember them?

Both spring and summer are represented. The early-budding trees on Arbor Ave. in Monroe are pretty in white and pink.

You’ll be able to stroll through a Monroe garden that will be on the Eden’s Garden Club walk this June. The greenery and flowers are visible from every room in Lois Vorrath’s Carrington home.

More stunning color is part of the overflowing containers and lush plantings at the Four Star Greenhouse in Carleton. The long-time business owned and operated by Monroe County native Tom Smith is home to the Proven Winners plant brand. The sprawling facility includes gardens that are open to the public all summer.

We also introduce you to a busy and innovative young woman from Summerfield Township who has grown her own business from a large vegetable garden behind the family home. Alexandra Reau has been featured in stories in The New York Times and Country Gardens magazine. Seeing her standing among perfect rows of sweet corn is enough to make us long for August.

Ignore the chilly weather outside your window and take a few minutes to remember the promise of warmer, more colorful, lovely days ahead.

— Deborah Saul

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Back Issues – Previous Home and Artist Features

Please visit our archive pages to see artists and featured homes from previous issues.