For some, gardening is a seasonal pursuit, but not for Shari Ganatos. A lifelong resident of Thompson Falls, she and her dog Cooper were fortunate to find a home next to her mom and the house she grew up in. A year ago, after an accident left her with physical injuries, she needed a hobby she could do despite her limitations. Thus her rock garden was born.

Jennifer Curran

Some of Ganatos's recent creations feature holiday themes and bright colors.

For Ganatos, it's a labor of love. "No deer or water to worry about and it brings color to the sometimes dismal winter," Ganatos said with a grin. She picks rocks that are smooth, flat or can stand on their own, often seeing what the rock will transform into. She paints the rocks in brilliant colors and then uses a shellac to give them a nice luster and protection from the elements. Ganatos laughed that she had half of the Clark Fork in her yard.

To the neighborhood, Ganatos's garden brings joy and inspiration. Her church members, friends and family alike look forward to seeing her new creations, she shared with a smile. When asked about her favorite, she responded, "I love all of them." One of her favorite projects though was the strawberry patch in her garden, amidst ladybugs, flowers and a turtle she named Frank. Right now she's working on painted rocks for the Christmas Bazaar in Thompson Falls. Ganatos said she'd like to paint larger rocks in the future, and has another garden bed ready to "plant" in the spring.