Houseplant Sprint

In summer, time typically moves slower, as motivation is diminished by hot weather and vacation activities. Then, the first of September happens, and suddenly the pace of life revs up to warp speed, as every activity in the world restarts. Meetings and commitments multiply, hours of daylight diminish, and gardeners are often caught in a … Read more

Baron St. Paul’s Violets

Like most couples, my parents compromised on various issues throughout their marriage.  One of the most significant centered on flowers.  My mother wanted flowers in the house 365 days a year.  My father did not want to go broke providing them.  The compromise, which took place before I was old enough to know about it, … Read more

Indoor Garden

Every year I put off the inevitable—bringing houseplants indoors after their long summer vacation outside.  I would like to think that my procrastination is motivated by a desire for the plants to soak up sunshine for as long as possible.  Really though, I fear that my indoor spaces will be inundated by a high tide … Read more

Second Season

A generation or more ago, fall was a time when you would clean up the garden, put out a few mums, and plant the spring flowering bulbs.  In the midst of all that, there was ample time to lose yourself watching the little wrens flitting through the aster stalks in search of delectable seeds.  The … Read more

Houseplant Re-entry

There is no use trying to avoid it any more—the houseplants are well past the vacation stage and must be brought in.  Night temperatures are descending and even though the geraniums, African violets, plumbago and even the potted Abyssinian glads are still blooming gaily, the summer porch party is really over. This year I have … Read more