When I go outside in spring, I look for the signs of hope that are symbolic of the season. The other day I saw an inspiring one–a Japanese cherry tree in full bloom. Its bark had the deepening furrows that develop as trees age, much like human wrinkles. The clouds of overhead blooms were lovely, … Read more
We are approaching the vernal equinox, when, as the name suggests, the hours of daylight and darkness are equal. It happens again in the fall with the autumnal equinox, but I think the spring event is happier and more hopeful, because the days continue to lengthen afterwards If the word “equinox” is full of possibilities, … Read more
There are two kinds of guilt—guilt for things done and guilt for things left undone. Most people suffer from one or the other, or both, from time to time. Some of us, especially those who have either had mothers and/or been mothers, are masters at the art of guilt, whether we lay it on … Read more
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
