Winter is a good time to dig into garden books to sharpen ideas for next season. This year, however, I'm finding it fun to put those books down and get inspiration by visiting with local gardeners. Without all of the garden chores and blooms to distract me, I can focus on how gardens make us feel, what plants are doing well, and garden memories that shape our designs.

Harvest festivals, like our Thanksgiving, are a tradition shared across cultures worldwide. Visiting Jacqui Wright’s property is a reminder that gardens, even smaller ones in town, give us reason to give thanks for their ability to nourish the body and support our community.

In just a few years she has created an ornamental urban homestead — from fresh vegetables in season to maple syrup, canned vegetables, dried herbs, and jams that can be enjoyed year round. There is even room for a cutting garden. The design is formal; geometric beds work with the architecture of her historic 1923 home.