Every day I take a long walk around my neighborhood to allay the claustrophobia that comes with “shelter in place” confinement. As I walk along I observe that almost every single house has at least one mail order package waiting on the front porch. I am reminded of the refrain of the Rolling Stones’ song, … Read more
It is almost mid-spring and creeping phlox—Phlox subulata—is having its moment. You can see it on the edges of flower beds, in planting boxes and cascading politely over garden walls. Healthy creeping phlox looks like a plush pink, blue/purple or white carpet that spreads outward just in time to make you forget that the daffodils … Read more
The other day I received a rather surprising email from the owner of one of my favorite online/mail order nurseries. I expected that it would be like many that I have gotten recently, using words like “in these troubling times”, “in this situation”, or “as we face an uncertain future.” I also expected that after … Read more
Planting anything is an investment in hope and optimism. You put a seed or young plant in the ground because you believe that with time and care, it will turn into something that resembles the gorgeous specimen on the plant tag or catalog page. It might also give you flowers, food, or shade. The whole … Read more
I have nothing against onion grass—except for the fact that it is invasive and springing up throughout my yard and garden beds. I have nothing against gray squirrels, which are similarly ubiquitous. During this time when we are all “sheltering in place”, the battle against both has taken on a new dimension. I went all … Read more
