From April 2020 this author wrote: The worst pandemic in a century is hammering the world.  We're socially-distanced, sheltering in place, and trying to stay healthy.  More than usual, we are eager for the work to begin in the garden.  The weather has yet to calm down, but the seedlings are maturing and when the winter rains stop and the temperature warms up we can begin the work of awakening our old friend.  We'll be even more grateful than usual for the familiar nature of the work, the steady rhythm of the garden and especially for the food it generates.  Hold Fast.  This is January of 2021 and the pandemic is still very much in charge of our species.  The garden did prove to be a source of comfort last year, the daily work it requires and the food it produced were uniquely welcome, and they will be again in a few months when this year's season begins.  Overall, the garden had a good year and the world-wide lockdown allowed for more time to devote to it.  The nearby fires in September were downright spooky and tending the garden during the days when we had some of the worst air pollution in the world meant wearing one's Covid mask to water and weed.  Such a strange situation.  Despite all that, we grew some new crops which did well and will be in the garden again, and we learned from a couple of mistakes and misjudgements which are always the best way to improve one's knowledge.  The way to learn gardening is to garden.  For more photos of the season please click the button below.