I love the stories of famous gardeners—past and present–and read as many of them as I can. When I noticed that veteran pop biographer Meryl Gordon had written a biography of Bunny Mellon, I had to get my hands on it. Bunny Mellon: The Life of an American Style Legend is about a woman known … Read more
I was wasting time on the computer the other day because house painters have invaded my outdoor space. Most of the garden is under siege and won’t be available for serious work until the painters leave. I am happy about the fresh paint, but dread putting everything back together. What is the best way for … Read more
For some people, the word “vacation” means trips to the beach and hours spent wallowing in trashy novels. Others wouldn’t go near a beach or a trashy novel, but love to tramp around historical sites, museums or battlefields. It all depends on your definition of another important word— “relaxation”. My husband and I used to … Read more
Whenever I go to the movies, I am very aware of the fact that you have to be a superhero to get any box office traction these days. The horticultural world is full of superheroes—past and present. Most of them would look rather lumpy and feel downright uncomfortable in masks, tights or body armor, so … Read more
There are some commercial locations that just seem jinxed. Businesses move in, last for a year or so and then die, only to be replaced by other businesses that repeat the pattern, sometimes for years on end. I have a garden bed like that. Every year I try to find a perfect landscape solution for … Read more
