The wind is roaring around the desiccated shrubbery in my front yard, while several robins, their feathers fully puffed, scout the few areas of bare ground for whatever they can find. I am sure they are regretting the irresistible impulse that compelled them to come north so far in advance of spring. I am regretting … Read more
Now that I am officially on spring watch, I am having the usual seasonal regrets about early-blooming plants that I did not order or install last fall. Sometimes, however, life gives you second chances, and ten days ago a second chance presented itself. I was pouring over the slim annual catalog from the Temple Nursery, … Read more
Amaryllis are exploding all over my dining room plant area. The enormous bulb that I bought back in November now boasts two flower stalks with a total of eight huge white blooms and another four-bloom stalk on the way. A second pot features a brilliant red-flowered variety, its dramatic coloration enhanced by the giant white … Read more
We Americans like to put our own stamp on things. Most Chinese food served in the U.S. would be unrecognizable to a person newly arrived from China. The same is true of a good many “English teas” I have enjoyed over the years. The food may be delicious, but the comestibles and the experience are … Read more
The winter solstice, now just past, is an annual event that has resonated with people in the Northern Hemisphere for thousands of years. Though the change is almost imperceptible, small fingers of light are beginning to unravel the edges of the fabric of winter darkness. The optimist in me rejoices. We haven’t yet celebrated the … Read more
