When Hurricane Sandy hit, I hadn’t yet pruned the ‘New Dawn’ rose that clambered up and over the tall metal arch that separates the upper and lower gardens. The rose was still throwing out the occasional shell pink bloom, and because I am both sentimental and pain-averse, I planned to put the prickly pruning confrontation … Read more
Major storms take so much from us—lives, homes, security and comfort. Gardens are low on the list of concerns after something as horrific as Hurricane Sandy. But once the debris is cleared away, the power restored, insurance claims filed and repairs underway, many of us will think once again of our gardens. It is discouraging … Read more
The economy is showing some signs of recovery, but news from various parts of the horticultural industry remains ominous. One of my favorite nurseries, Matterhorn, in Spring Valley, New York, closed abruptly in April of this year, after struggling to emerge from Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Heronswood Nursery, which had been purchased by Burpee Seeds in … Read more
A big storm is coming, though, by all rights, the gusts of hyperbole from the media should be enough to blow it out to sea. However, just in case it is as great and terrible as predicted, I have spent the day bringing geraniums indoors and putting away all the garden ornaments. Even the bagged-up … Read more
THE TROUBLE WITH TULIPS Several friends who were more diligent than I about ordering their spring-flowering bulbs have already received their bulb shipments. I await mine, which should arrive any day now. Once again this year I have made every effort to order enough tulips for a stunning floral display next April. I know … Read more
