It is axiomatic among gardeners that the garden is always at its best either the week before or the week after visitors stop by. “You should have seen it last week,” you say regretfully while looking at the desiccated remains of your formerly sumptuous double daffodils. “Wait until next week,” you mutter, as you point … Read more
It is spring and everything looks healthy—especially chickweed, onion grass or wild onion and dandelions. As all gardeners know, Nature abhors bare ground and works hard to cover it as soon as possible. Unfortunately the plants that cover the quickest are the aforementioned weeds. Dandelions are nice if you want to make salad from the … Read more
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
Every year the Pantone Color Institute introduces its “Color of the Year”, reflecting what the Institute thinks is the zeitgeist or prevailing mood for a particular 365-day period. The 2020 color is “Classic Blue”, a shade lighter than navy blue, but deeper than sky blue. On the large Pantone color chart, it is number 19-4052. … Read more
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
