What Now?

Winter is only one month old and even if the groundhog doesn’t see his shadow, it is going to be a long wait until spring.  You can spend that time staying warm, perusing catalogs and tending the houseplants, but many of us miss being outside. “Outside” is not always congenial, due to seasonal drama provided … Read more

Pot Marigold

The garden magazines are touting new plants right now, which is standard for January editions.  In the midst of all that New Year’s newness, I was pleased to see a garden pundit extol the virtues of something old-fashioned—the use of annuals in garden beds and borders.  Jimmy Turner, Executive Director of the Red Butte Garden … Read more

Hand Painted Flowers

This winter, my advice to gardeners, would-be gardeners and those who simply want an amusing plant or two is “order early”.  Last fall, bulb and plant vendors were among the few merchants doing land office business, selling out in record time.  With at least a couple more cold, dark, alarming months ahead of us, the … Read more

Seeing Red

What with all the seasonal decorations, scarlet poinsettias, and other adornments, we are all seeing red at this time of the year.  But what about the cold, dark days that still loom ahead?  You have to be a real optimist to look out at the winter landscape and see anything other than shades of brown, … Read more

When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Read Henry Mitchell

“Good sense has little to do with gardening.”—Henry Mitchell The Solstice approaches and with it, we will gain about one minute of additional daylight per day.  I am convinced that even that extra 60 seconds will make a difference in the quality of life. Of course, dark days and snowstorms will still happen.  In fact, … Read more