Pretend you are being interviewed by 'Garden Stars'for an upcoming edition. You have already answered the what is your favorite color combination, and do you compost standards.

Now it's time for a look at the real gardener.

Your favorite outdoor sitting spot...

Where is it,in your garden or elsewhere?

What is the seat?

What are you looking at?

What does it make you think about?

Sometimes when birding the best thing to do is to find a quiet spot and sit. Listen, keep your eyes open. There is a large rock in the woods near a small lake about and hour north of Madison Wisconsin. About five feet high and big enough to sit about 5 or 6 people comfortably, it has a rather flat top that is excellent for sitting or laying about waiting for signs of wildlife.

There is a view through the trees of a marshy portion of the lake and a small trail that cuts through the woods. You can see a huge felled tree just a few feet away, covered in moss an decaying slowly.No matter how active the lake is rarely does anyone disturb you here. Early in the morning, in fall when lake water is still warm but the air is chill a mist rises and hovers above the water.Often a lone fisherman can be seen in the distance. Sounds are different, traveling far but subdued.

Kingfisher love this spot as well as swallows. Water fowl sometimes nest here. Cedar waxwings gaze out over the water from the highest point of the highest tree near the water, or cruise in packs along the shore.It is birding heaven. Along with what ever other wildlife comes sniffing through.

In our own backyard this summer the Mr and I created a space where evenings could be enjoyed and mosquitoes kept at bay.A netted shade tent was erected then big comfortable cushioned chairs placed. With a roof to shield from bird 'debris' and shade during the day, and a table to place a lantern, cups, books and writing materials, it became a favorite spot to inhabit in the garden. Even the grandchildren would sit out there and visit with us. The younger boys playing on the ground looking for insects and worms or placing action figures in and about the feet of the furniture.

It was so popular a more permanent structure is in the planning stage...