Spring is Afoot

Yesterday I was absolutely beside myself because I saw the first snowdrops of the season.  These brave early-appearers are double-flowered, with pale green tips on the outer petals and pronounced green blotches on the inner ones.  I have forgotten their varietal name and the plant tag is currently submerged under a cover of dead leaves, … Read more

Striped Crocus

You might think that after thousands of years of coming up too soon and getting frozen, the crocus family would have had a little sense knocked into it. The words of twentieth century writer and humorist Robert Benchley make me smile every time I plant my crocus bulbs.  Still, as I carve planting holes out … Read more

A Little Daffy

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

Autumn List

Popular magazines live and die by lists.  Stand for more than two minutes in the supermarket check-out line and you will see at least ten different compilations of life-changing tips announced in screaming headlines.  With titles ranging from “Sixteen Fabulous Ways to Transform Your Holiday Dinner” and “Top Twenty Hollywood Divas,” to “Five Easy Ways … Read more