A Time of Division

A TIME OF DIVISION             At long last, spring appears to be committing itself to this area.  Even the cold nights are getting warmer and occasionally we see glimpses of sunlight during the day.  The early daffodils have folded their tents and dropped their petals, beginning the long process of preparing for next season’s blooms.  … Read more

The Perfect Urn

THE PERFECT PLANTER             I used to think that all it took to make a great garden was an unlimited number of plants and boundless energy.  Now I know better.  My garden is full of plants and there are moments when I still feel boundless energy, but something is missing.  What I really need now … Read more

Lithodora

LITHODORA             At this time of the year, it is hard to curb your enthusiasm.  While trolling the local garden centers for interesting pansies and violas, I was nearly overcome by the sight of all the freshly-delivered perennials, annuals, trees and shrubs.  If I were either Warren Buffett or a Power Ball Lottery winner, I … Read more

Guy Wilson

GUY WILSON             At the moment my daffodils are braving the weather, shaking in their shoots and waiting for warmer, sunnier days.  The early ones are in bloom, holding their own against repeated onslaughts of cold rain.  Even in miserable weather, daffodils are a cheerful sight.  I have many in my garden and every year … Read more

Elizabeth White

ELIZABETH WHITE             I have a soft spot for all kinds of gardeners, but especially for women who were pioneers in the field.  If I could host an imaginary garden party for some of those green-fingered females, I would include Ellen Willmott, a rich, twentieth century Englishwoman who cultivated plants and gardens to the point … Read more