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
I was in the garden center last week, hot on the trail of colorful mums and half-price perennials when I laid eyes on something that made me forget both objects. It was a young, slender tree with some of the showiest fall foliage I have encountered—red, orange and purple, glowing in the late afternoon … Read more
I have a passion for just about all roses, and right now, as they put on their brave last act, I feel especially tender towards them. The changes in light—intensity and duration—have affected their colors. The petals of my red and white-striped ‘Scentimental’ are now more red than white. Back in May the color ratio … Read more
When I am out walking each day, I look at plants—the manicured specimens maintained by landscape crews, the lovingly grown clumps of annuals and perennials on smaller lots, and even the strays—self seeded individuals growing where they may or may not be wanted. The other day I saw a butterfly bush or Buddleia davidii growing … Read more
Sometimes you choose to make changes in the landscape. Sometimes the landscape does the deciding. In my case, the situation is a little bit of both. The wooden perimeter fence that bounds my backyard is decrepit and needs replacing. It was handsome once, but that was fifteen years ago. Weather and normal aging have done … Read more
