I have a friend who is fond of saying, “the devil is in the details,” and she is right. Ambitious plans have come to a screeching halt because someone forgot the AAA batteries. Failure to tighten a strategically placed button can cause an embarrassing wardrobe malfunction. Most of us could make up our own lists … Read more
Crocuses, now appearing in gardens near you, are like tiny rays of light in the sea of winter garden debris. They invite you to look closer and demand that you gently sweep away the detritus around them so that they can be better appreciated. In the gardens of crocus lovers, the little snow crocuses generally … Read more
I have always envied those gardeners who brag about having something in bloom three hundred and sixty-five days a year. Living in a cold winter climate, this is not possible for me, unless I count the houseplants and that, in my opinion, would be cheating. The closest I can get, in mild winters, is about … Read more
A neighbor stopped by not long ago and said, “What are those beautiful aqua iris by your front walk?” The iris in question were small but glorious, resembling a cluster of orchids or a small flock of butterflies hovering just above ground level. The three outer petals or falls of each one were pale aqua-blue … Read more
Unless you are a teenager, it is generally a good thing to be “grounded.” For non-teens, the word implies common sense and a focus on reality, as opposed to flights of fantasy. People who are grounded are reliable—the kind you want as friends or neighbors. The kind you rarely get as relatives. More and more … Read more
