SHADY PLOTS About fifteen years ago, the then-owner of my house decided to build a big new garage. I don’t know for sure, but I assume that the original garage was a one-car structure built sometime between 1882, when the house was constructed, and World War Two. Both my neighbors, whose houses are similar … Read more
HELEN DILLON Last year’s Philadelphia Flower Show theme was “Legends of Ireland”. It was a celebration of all things Irish–plants, consumer products, lore, music, art, dance and ideas. It was also a tribute to the recent amazing resurgence of Ireland’s economy. The “Celtic Tiger” made its presence felt in many ways. With its … Read more
EDIBLE ORNAMENTALS I have discovered that I do some of my best garden work when I am motivated by a grand scheme or a master plan. Last year the “garden perfection plan” impelled me to take one year and make the garden as close to perfect as possible. That plan doesn’t really end until … Read more
GROUND COVER ROSES It seems a bit strange to be thinking about roses when the precipitation is coming down in pellets outside, but I can’t help it. I just attached a bouquet of dried rosebuds to a Christmas wreath and the sight of them triggered thoughts of spring. As the growing season dwindled … Read more
TOPIARIES Not far from where I live, a modest house sits among a row of similar dwellings facing an extremely busy street. The house is distinguished by a pair of potted, spiral-shaped evergreen topiaries that flank the front door, setting off the “Beware of Dog” sign. Those topiaries are only the most recent … Read more
