Chrysanthemums are not fragrant—at least not to my nose. In fact, an extract of chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrin, is used as an insecticide, and insecticides almost never have a pleasant odor. I generally prefer sweet smelling flowers, but I love chrysanthemums—a love that comes naturally. My mother was wild about them, especially the giant “football” mums … Read more
We all have to get through the dark months of the year, when the absence of daylight, the prospect of damp, chilly weather inspires little more than a desire for sleep and sweaters. When we celebrate during at this time of year, we emphasize light in all its forms. I do this as my mother … Read more
Every garden, large or small, has microclimates. Even if your garden consists of a container array on a balcony or a series of window boxes, growing conditions can change depending on where your plants are located. Whether you want beautiful roses, floriferous hydrangeas, or plentiful zucchini, it pays to be mindful of microclimates. My suburban … Read more
The gardening year is full of milestone—the solstices and equinoxes, the first and last frost dates, and, for some, the phases of the moon. I mark all of those, linking specific actions to them, but I also observe other, less universally applicable milestones that are equally significant to me. I note the first and last … Read more
At least once a year, usually in mid-fall, I drive through part of the New Jersey Pine Barrens on my way to Atlantic City. The barrens is a magical and ecologically unique area, the subject of history and lore. It is, allegedly, home to the New Jersey devil, a beast that is reputed to be … Read more
