What we've learned after five years of feeding about 50 people in our backyard. WHEN: Last Saturday in September GUESTS: About 50 SETTING: Backyard MAIN EVENT: Whole smoked pig VIBE: Casual fall gathering, lots of kids, very little fuss EXPERIENCE: We've hosted it almost every year for five years Our annual pig roast has become one of my favorite excuses to get a lot of people we love in the same place. We've tried different food, activities and competitions over the years. S

What's proven in my garden, what's new & what I'd plant again. GARDEN ZONE: USDA 7a/7b GARDEN STYLE: Colorful, romantic, slightly wild SUN: Primarily full sun EXPERIENCE: A mix of established favorites + first-year additions I wanted my flower garden to feel romantic, colorful, abundant and a little wild—more cottage garden than perfectly manicured landscaping. Some of these plants have earned their place after years in my garden. Others were planted this spring, so I'm not g