Succulents, especially the rose-form echeverias, have been in vogue for the last fifteen years. They have flirted with the public in botanical institutions, teased onlookers from the tops of show house coffee tables, and beguiled shoppers in garden centers. Sometimes, especially in winter, they seem to be everywhere. Though I am prone to falling in … Read more
The island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa, is home to all kinds of interesting plants and animals. My favorites among the fauna are lemurs, primates that have adapted successfully to even the harshest environments. There is something especially endearing about the ring-tailed lemurs, which hold their long tails optimistically aloft while roaming through … Read more
The summer doldrums have officially ended in my garden. Two weeks ago, the roses were sulking through midsummer, sighing like Victorian literary characters and bemoaning their blackspotted leaves. Now they sport happy new blooms and almost sing. Morning glories put out fresh purple trumpets every day as they continue their push for world—or at least … Read more
