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
Cold, rainy days on the edge of spring are a big challenge. My gardener’s heart wants to be outside, clearing debris, uncovering the green shoots and pruning the roses. Common sense says that the beds are muddy, the leaves and debris are wet, and the return on garden effort will be minimal. I could clean … Read more
I am absolutely ridiculous about the first flowers of spring. I start checking the beds around New Year’s, hungry for even the smallest bit of color in my drab slice of suburbia. When I do spot something—crocus, snowdrop or winter flowering jasmine blossoms—I feel my spirits lift. It may be 25 degrees and sleeting, but … Read more
This year, Presidents’ Day marked the first foray into the winter-struck garden. The temperature was finally above 45 degrees, the endless rain had stopped, and it was a Federal holiday. That trifecta of events was the winning combination that sent me out of doors first thing in the morning. I reconnoitered, pulled out the garden … Read more
