Just being in the park is inspiring to me. I walk through the gates and see plants and birds going and critters running around, and it is a very inspiring place. Everyone has the need to be inspired and uplifted, and this is my way.

It gets into your system. At our age, when you are retired or a senior citizen, you need things that keep you uplifted: That is what I would call good medicine.

It's just bare ground, a few yucca plants, fence posts and so forth. That is the only thing holding the wind back, and it doesn't hold it well.

There are only about 4,000 marine-plant species compared with an estimated 250,000 species of terrestrial green plants. Similarly, of the 1.7 million-or-so known animal species, only about one-tenth are from oceans, with most of these living on or close to the bottom in relatively shallow water.

The plants are in a weakened state. Moisture is the key. We need rain.

You should start with what plants you like and see what conditions they require, and think about whether your yard can provide them.