ELIZABETH WHITE I have a soft spot for all kinds of gardeners, but especially for women who were pioneers in the field. If I could host an imaginary garden party for some of those green-fingered females, I would include Ellen Willmott, a rich, twentieth century Englishwoman who cultivated plants and gardens to the point … Read more
HELLEBORE EXPLOSION I have been following my own advice this past week and cutting the ratty, winter-worn foliage off my hellebore plants so the new leaves and flowers will shine forth. The effort is worth it, because all are either blooming or about to bloom, showing their new flowery faces to the world. The … Read more
WITCH HAZEL When I was a child and had a cut, bruise or other swelling, some older member of the family would invariably say, “Put some witch hazel on that.” We had a bottle of witch hazel in the bathroom linen closet and even though people recommended witch hazel regularly, the bottle never seemed … Read more
CHOMLEY FARRAN Up until a few hours ago, I had few clues about the true story of Chomley Farran. His name makes him sound like one of Jane Austin’s more picturesque characters. I can easily imagine him as an eccentric English gentleman of the early nineteenth century, with an independent fortune and a passion … Read more
WOEFUL SHRUBS The snow is receding and there is jubilation in the suburbs. I have never been so glad to see parts of my driveway as I have this week. Even better is the sight of the tips of crocus leaves sticking up about one quarter inch above the soil beside that same driveway. … Read more
