Ellie Anderson started gardening as a child in southern Alberta, where she came to appreciate the miracle of common perennials. They survived the brutal winters to return each spring and summer. After moving to the Seattle area in 1972, Ellie continued her love affair with plants and dirt. She planted roses, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, azaleas -- all the plants that she couldn't have before. It was all fabulous, but then these things needed to be cared for in certain ways and at particular times. A GARDENER'S NOTES was born out of a need to feel organized.