The house where I grew up was sold to another family right after I got married, so my memories of the place have grown rosy-tinted over time. One thing is certain. The back garden was bounded by eight tall Lombardy poplar trees. My father loved them and they were everywhere in my hometown. Now they … Read more
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
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
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
What with all the seasonal decorations, scarlet poinsettias, and other adornments, we are all seeing red at this time of the year. But what about the cold, dark days that still loom ahead? You have to be a real optimist to look out at the winter landscape and see anything other than shades of brown, … Read more
