I have columbine or Aquilegia vulgaris growing in my garden—and occasionally in the grass, rock wall crevices, cracks between pavers, and just about anywhere else that that is home to more than an atom of soil. I regard this as a blessing, because most of them are self sown specimens that flourish with absolutely no … Read more
I have always wanted to visit Virginia for Garden Week, a seven or eight day extravaganza during which notable homes and gardens all over the state are open to the public. This year I finally had the chance to get to Virginia and it was a feast for the senses. One of the best parts … Read more
There may be some people who don’t love peonies. Fortunately I don’t know them. Ever since the first red tips of peony sprouts popped up a few weeks ago, I have been waiting impatiently for the day when they burst into big flamboyant blooms. Then I will say, “Damn the ants; full speed ahead,” and … Read more
At this time of the year we celebrate spring by rushing out to the garden centers and buying flats of pansies and violas. We breathe the warming air and fill up our window boxes, pots and borders with these spring avatars. And then we turn around and try to exterminate their cousins, the common violets, … Read more
I love the moment in spring when all the flowering trees and shrubs seem to burst into simultaneous bloom. Depending on the weather, that mass flowering can last a few days or more than a week. It always ends in showers of petals that rival the snow flurries we had up until about three weeks … Read more
