JOHN’S KNOWLEDGE NEST

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Across
  1. 2. Sweet treat worthy of a Paris café
  2. 6. Social evenings’ battlefield of facts
  3. 8. Red jewel of summer beds
  4. 9. Prehistoric cat, nod to feline fascination
  5. 12. Volume he’d happily flip through
  6. 13. Purring companion on lazy afternoons
  7. 16. One who nurtures roots and shoots
  8. 18. Solver of grids and clues alike
  9. 19. River crossing memories in France
  10. 20. Study behind thriving blooms and veggies
  11. 23. Spicy resident in John’s garden
  12. 24. Group where minds meet
Down
  1. 1. Home of the Loop, but not a necklace
  2. 3. Vintage variety prized by green thumbs
  3. 4. French word for what John devours in quiet hours
  4. 5. Advanced stats John might debate over hot dogs
  5. 7. Fiery condiment for backyard creations
  6. 10. How John strolls the Seine in his mind
  7. 11. Backyard heat measured on this scale
  8. 14. Quiet haven lined with spines
  9. 15. Blooming star in late-season gardens
  10. 17. Shade-giving tree John might admire
  11. 21. Tool or title for a patient plot-tender
  12. 22. Returns year after year, like his blooms