Mr. Marshall’s Flower Book

I love garden books so much that my bookshelves are listing under the weight of my collection.  Some of those books are reference volumes, but they are in the minority.  I favor books that go beyond the “how” of gardening to the “why” of gardening.  After all, I can do an internet search and find … Read more

What Now?

Winter is only one month old and even if the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, it is going to be a long wait until spring.  You can spend that time staying warm, perusing catalogs and tending the houseplants, but many of us miss being outside. “Outside” is not always congenial, due to seasonal drama provided … Read more

Pot Marigold

The garden magazines are touting new plants right now, which is standard for January editions.  In the midst of all that New Year’s newness, I was pleased to see a garden pundit extol the virtues of something old-fashioned—the use of annuals in garden beds and borders.  Jimmy Turner, Executive Director of the Red Butte Garden … Read more

Hand Painted Flowers

This winter, my advice to gardeners, would-be gardeners and those who simply want an amusing plant or two is “order early”.  Last fall, bulb and plant vendors were among the few merchants doing land office business, selling out in record time.  With at least a couple more cold, dark, alarming months ahead of us, the … Read more

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Read Henry Mitchell

“Good sense has little to do with gardening.”—Henry Mitchell The Solstice approaches and with it, we will gain about one minute of additional daylight per day.  I am convinced that even that extra 60 seconds will make a difference in the quality of life. Of course, dark days and snowstorms will still happen.  In fact, … Read more