The experts agree; Napoleon never uttered that famous palindrome, “Able was I ere I saw Elba”. It isn’t a palindrome in French, and even in exile, Napoleon probably never admitted that a comeback wasn’t waiting somewhere in the wings. Since any claim to Napoleonic authorship has now been discredited, I will feel free to alter … Read more
Say the word “frangipani” to me and I think of a delicious almond pastry cream used in Italian tarts, cake and other delicacies. If you eat French pastries, you will know the same custard as “frangipane”. Either way, it is delicious and harbors the sweet smell of almonds. Tropical plant fanciers know frangipani as a … Read more
When I made my first forays into wild plant identification as a child and teenager, a handy field guide always lurked somewhere nearby. My trusty and well-used Peterson’s Guide—actually Peterson Field Guides: Wildflowers—still sits on my office shelf. Some of the plants have been reclassified and renamed since it was published, but its arrangement, descriptions … Read more
As winter days tick down and spring looms ahead, it takes very little to get gardeners excited. A brief snowdrop sighting, a few brave early crocuses, or even a stalk of rhubarb in the market make hearts beat faster. So does witch hazel. Up until a couple of generations ago, witch hazel was a widely … Read more
At this time of year, all it takes is a few balmy days to trigger the gardening itch. As soon as the temperature hovers above 50 degrees and the wind abandons howling in favor of murmuring, I have one foot out the door. I am fooling myself, of course. February thaws are among of Nature’s … Read more
