Chrysanthemums are not fragrant—at least not to my nose. In fact, an extract of chrysanthemum flowers, pyrethrin, is used as an insecticide, and insecticides almost never have a pleasant odor. I generally prefer sweet smelling flowers, but I love chrysanthemums—a love that comes naturally. My mother was wild about them, especially the giant “football” mums … Read more
We all have to get through the dark months of the year, when the absence of daylight, the prospect of damp, chilly weather inspires little more than a desire for sleep and sweaters. When we celebrate during at this time of year, we emphasize light in all its forms. I do this as my mother … Read more
Every garden, large or small, has microclimates. Even if your garden consists of a container array on a balcony or a series of window boxes, growing conditions can change depending on where your plants are located. Whether you want beautiful roses, floriferous hydrangeas, or plentiful zucchini, it pays to be mindful of microclimates. My suburban … Read more
It is axiomatic among gardeners that the garden is always at its best either the week before or the week after visitors stop by. “You should have seen it last week,” you say regretfully while looking at the desiccated remains of your formerly sumptuous double daffodils. “Wait until next week,” you mutter, as you point … Read more
Nineteenth century poets, like John Keats, were fond of odes. Keats is particularly famous for a relatively short one extolling the beauty of a Grecian urn, and a longer one about a nightingale. If only he had lived long enough to be introduced to the sturdy garden fork that hangs in silence on my garage … Read more
