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
For years I have planted certain fall bloomers in my front garden in the hopes of creating a lush golden and russet display of rudbeckia, helenium, and late summer sunflowers. The current show is respectable, but would never make the pages of a glossy garden publication. I should probably just abandon the effort and cede … 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
Last month at our summer cottage I went all Constance Spry, challenging myself to make a large indoor flower and foliage arrangement in the spirit of the great mid-twentieth century florist and lifestyle doyenne. Spry was noted for creating alluring set pieces that included wildflowers, tree and shrub branches, and various forms of roadsidia. This … Read more
