Louise Shelton

When the winter world resembles a gray, cold veil of sleeting tears, I turn to my library of garden books for psychological sustenance. One of my favorites is Beautiful Gardens in America, a book written in 1915 by Louise Shelton—1867-1934–of Morristown, NJ.  I have the second edition, a hefty volume with a gold embossed title … Read more

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Read Henry Mitchell

“Good sense has little to do with gardening.”—Henry Mitchell The Solstice approaches and with it, we will gain about one minute of additional daylight per day.  I am convinced that even that extra 60 seconds will make a difference in the quality of life. Of course, dark days and snowstorms will still happen.  In fact, … Read more

Book Review: My Summer in a Garden by Charles Dudley Warner

Pity poor Charles Dudley Warner.  Born in 1829, he was a lawyer, newspaper editor/ publisher, prolific writer, confidant of numerous famous people and dedicated amateur gardener.  Despite that impressive resume, he is best remembered; when he is remembered at all, as a close friend of Mark Twain.  So close, in fact, that a phrase coined … Read more

Gardener’s Gifts

GARDENER’S GIFTS             Every year at holiday time, gift givers everywhere give thanks for their friends’ and relatives’ hobbies.  Where would we be without culinary gadgets for the cooks, golf paraphernalia for the duffers and Sephora gift cards for those with an unquenchable desire for makeup? Gardening offers the same gifting opportunities.  However, there is … Read more