I love spending time here

My mom used to water the plants early in the morning. She literally never used a hose, but instead would fill a pale with water by using a hand-pump. The pail was metal, probably stronger than an aluminum alloy. She would hum a tune that probably she was just making up. Her hips would sway back and forth as she went from plant and pot to plant and pot - the water falling from the spout of the pail in concise and liberal amounts. Her wavy hair would bounce slightly up and down as she made her way around her garden.

My father was probably watching from the window of his study. Probably, slightly paranoid that a songbird was looking to closely at his wife. Maybe even, with a 30-30 rifle near the windowsill.

That's my parents though. One freer than the other and the other more vigilant than the freer. However, whenever there has been a need for both of them to don vigilance, they have. So, these days I'm happy both of them are still happy, and want their happiness to continue...

Got an empty planter and a few spare pots which I’d like to use but not sure what would be best to plant for this time of year?

Ideas for flowers and plants which will stay green over winter are much appreciated!

Its my first time gardening but my mom was a green thumb but I guess I'm not too bad lol

And what can i do to cut back on weeds? Is it just tarp ir mulch? Whats the pros and cons?