The New Year’s confetti has barely settled to the ground when I start thinking about the longer days and all that spring will bring. A number of plant orders have already been placed, and I anxiously await each incremental step that the local garden centers take towards their lavish spring displays. My own cache of exotic seeds will be sown in bright windows over the next many weeks, and tended until they can safely go outdoors. I try new things each year, some slow growing ones that are investments for the long haul, and some quicker annuals and vegetables for more “immediate” gratification. On my long-haul list this year: a handful of acacias and eucalyptus from Australia, several unusual agaves from Mexico, a palm from Cuba and another from China, two aloes from South Africa– the list goes on.  These efforts get me through the slower winter season and keep me thinking about the future and how my garden spaces may evolve over the next few seasons. What seeds are you all planting, and what has you excited for the coming season?