Waiting for Mrs. Backhouse

The first clumps of daffodils are blooming at long last and I have to resist the urge to go out and pick all of them for the house.  Little nosegays of snowdrops and early crocus have been a welcome relief from grocery store flowers, but daffodils in a vase—especially a blue vase– radiate spring sunshine.  … Read more

Mr. Flower Show

The horticultural world—past and present– is full of big personalities, including a colorful cast of plant fanatics, design divas and fastidious flower arrangers.  Each adds a bright strand to the tapestry of horticultural history.  My recent trip to the Philadelphia Flower Show inspired thoughts of one such big personality, J. Liddon Pennock, Jr.—1913-2003— a longtime … Read more