As the Seattle scene gained worldwide prominence, Seaweed and the Trees found themselves touring together frequently. During a 1996 U.K. tour, the two groups finally collaborated, writing two songs that would appear on Gardener's 1999 debut album, New Dawning Time. The new group added to their lineup when Conner recruited his brother Pat (sitar, drums) and friend Adrian Makins (bass, slide guitar).
Shortly after, Stauffer moved to North California to pursue a more rural, rugged life, penning more songs and incorporating more members -- including a tabla player and a flutist -- into Gardener. Their debut featured a more expansive, arranged sound than that of either the Screaming Trees or Seaweed, with flourishes of sitar, Mellotron, and flute rather than the charged rock sound of Gardener's parent bands. Released on Sub Pop, New Dawning Time proved to be their sole LP. Van Conner died on January 17, 2023 from pneumonia; he was 55 years old. ~ Heather Phares, Rovi