As St. Patrick’s Day approaches every year, people start to talk about “the wearing of the green”. Individuals who eschew green clothing and accessories 364 days a year, paw through drawers and closets to find green apparel or jewelry to wear in honor of the patron saint of Ireland. They also eat the green, as … Read more
Early spring is usually the time for the little flowers, like snowdrops, winter aconite and crocus. Though their stature is small, they emerge from the winter-drab earth in flashes of color. After a few weeks they give way to the flashier daffodils and tulips, which in turn bow out in favor of peonies and roses, … Read more
In two days I am going to Philadelphia to witness the wonders of the Philadelphia Flower Show, which has returned to the Convention Center in that city after a COVID-related absence of three years. I have avoided the flower show-related publicity because I want to be amazed when I walk into the vast hall full … Read more
Last year at about this time, my daughter and I sought out some COVID lockdown relief in a park that boasts the highest elevation in our state. As we indulged in that relief, we spotted a number of interesting wild plants, including the star of the wildflower show, pink lady’s slipper orchid or Cypripedium acaule. … Read more
This winter, my advice to gardeners, would-be gardeners and those who simply want an amusing plant or two is “order early”. Last fall, bulb and plant vendors were among the few merchants doing land office business, selling out in record time. With at least a couple more cold, dark, alarming months ahead of us, the … Read more
