Gardening has its own fashions for every season, and with the arrival of spring we need to begin thinking about protection from the sun. Hats tend to make my head too hot, so I prefer visors—they keep the sun out of my eyes and off of my face, and if the brim goes all the way around, it can protect the back of your neck too.

I also use an SPF 30–50 sun block, especially on my nose (Bain de Soleil® for the sensitive face) and lip balm with SPF too.

Lotion, Lotion, Lotion (get the real estate pun??)... Let’s face it, being outdoors year-round makes skin very dry. You’d think by now I’d own stock in a lotion company! I moisturize whenever I can—a gardener’s hands take severe and continual abuse. I prefer lotions that are very emollient yet soak in thoroughly, and those with no scent (not on principle; it’s just that my skin is very sensitive. I use unscented Lubriderm®).

I routinely wear gloves, and in warmer weather I use a two-layered approach: a thin, close-fitting cotton pair (pick something colorful; one does need a little bit of color!) covered with disposable gloves (latex or nitrile) for a moisture barrier. This will keep you fairly clean and dry and also prevents “prune” hands. If you don’t wear gloves, be SURE to use sun block on your hands too!

All of this means fewer wrinkles—and it’s all about the wrinkles, dahling! After nearly 30 years, I can say that the Lillian Goldman Fountain of Life springs eternal at The New York Botanical Garden, but I can’t disclose its source. You must find out for yourself...

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