Tulips are one of the great glories of the spring garden. It doesn’t matter what types you choose—singles, doubles, fringed, lily-flowering, or species—all are rainbow-hued avatars of the growing season to come. If I could have a garden full of them, I would be in heaven. There is only one problem—competition from backyard varmints who … Read more
At this time of year I am always envious of my neighbor’s fabulous daffodil array, which covers her entire front yard and sidewalk strip with a golden blanket of spring color. My own front yard has also awakened from its gray slumber, with hellebores still in bloom, more daffodils every day, a few remaining squills … Read more
The great American garden writer, Elizabeth Lawrence, famously said, “No one gardens alone.” The truth of those words shows in my garden every day. Ninety percent of the landscape and tending falls to me; the rest is done by others. Fortunately, given the state of my bank accounts, I don’t have to pay them anything. … Read more
Whenever I am away from the garden for any reason I make a habit of greeting it when I return. This process involves a tour of the front and back and includes noting which plants are flourishing, pulling out an egregious weed here or there and reacquainting myself with my little slice of Eden. The … Read more
Lately the morning news is full of breathless anchor people announcing that someone in some suburb has sighted a coyote. Easterners thought coyotes were romantic back when they howled at us long-distance from the West; it’s different now the feral canines are here among us. The coyotes are keeping company in our backyards, parks, train … Read more
