ON THE COVER: A favorite in the first-place garden is a variegated rice-paper plant (Tetrapanax papyriferus), here with a leaf emerging. This large-foliaged plant requires winter protection in our climate. PLANT LIFE On Common Ground Seattle gardeners are building community, one lush plot after another. ON FITNESS High On Ice For grown-ups, hockey offers the thrill of endorphins. TASTE Succulent Duck Legs Don't be chicken, you can try this at home. PORTRAITS Royal Tan and Prosper Van Heads or Tails. LETTERS Letters to the Editor NOW & THEN A Tattered 'Nat'

COVER STORY Meet the three winners of our 12th annual Pacific Northwest Competition for Home Gardeners. WRITTEN BY DEAN STAHL PHOTOGRAPHED BY MIKE SIEGEL Vivaciously Careful Comfort and vitality in Hawthorne Hills. Rock Solid A woodland wonder in Carnation. Perennial Passions An artful mix in Bellevue. How the judging works

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