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Dear Friend,

Connections are among the most important things for all of us at the magazine. One such relationship that I've come to treasure is my friendship with Bill Welch. Bill, our Texas garden expert, teaches at Texas A&M University and has built an amazing following of former students and associates across the country. Over the years he has become known for his knowledge of old-fashioned roses, but Bill and his wonderful wife, Diane, are also passionate about house and garden restorations. Their home and garden, called Fragilee, is located in Washington County and serves as an inspiring example of what they are able to do. I hope you enjoy Bill's story about his country place and the beautiful images by Senior Photographer Ralph Anderson. The story starts on page 104.

The return of spring to the South seems to revitalize us. We start entertaining more and plan many other things just for fun. Our Food editors give you a head start on celebrating with a great Sunday dinner menu (see page 98) and a fun twist on decorating cookies (see page 102). The Travel department offers directions for driving some of the South's back roads to find the glory of the season (starting on page 18) and a walking tour of the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, D.C. (see page 46).

Also in this issue, our Homes editors highlight a living room makeover, starting on page 110, and take us to Spring Island, South Carolina (see page 94). This innovative Southern community was designed with nature in mind. A nature preserve serves as the focus of the development, not the houses. Such a story provides inspiration for us all.

While our readers in the Lower South are already enjoying spring, the rest of us are looking forward to warmer weather when we can begin renewing our over-the-fence friendships and share in the seasonal beauty that blesses our region. :

Best regards,

John Alex Floyd, Jr., Editor

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Mar 2005
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