SEASONAL MIGRATION Someone or something has eaten all the plant saucers. It must have happened over the summer, because I swear that I had more than enough last spring. Now, as I bring the houseplants in for the winter, I can only find a fraction of the number that I need. I must … Read more
BLUE AGERATUM CONFUSION When is an ageratum not an ageratum? When it’s a eupatorium. If these words mean absolutely nothing to you, you’re not alone. Even though ageratum are stalwarts of public plantings from gas stations to parks, the name doesn’t trip off the tongue like “zinnia” or “sunflower.” But if you want … Read more
FALL BEGINS Fall is a time when many gardeners feel a little sad. The gardening season is winding down, the cycle of growth has slowed and the days are shortening. Staying out in the garden until eight o’clock on a glorious weekend day now means that you will end up weeding in the dark. … Read more
CHRYSANTHEMUM CONFLICT I feel very conflicted about chrysanthemums. Like everyone else I spend the fall surrounded by them. In my town there seems to be an ordinance that requires every homeowner to mark the fall season by flanking the front door, porch or stairway with pots of mums. I do it too, because if … Read more
BEAUTYBERRY My daughter had a teacher once who was in love with the color purple. She wore purple clothes, decorated her classroom with purple objects and gave out “purple owl” stickers to students who excelled in any way. As far as I know, her prose was never purple, but sometimes her ink was. I … Read more
