Early Morning Stories
There was just a dusting of snow on the ground when I went outside this morning, but that small change in the look of the landscape alerted me that stories were being told everywhere I looked. There were thousands…perhaps millions of conversations and narratives...
I Love Kalanchoe daigremontiana
Name: Kalanchoe daigremontiana aka mother of thousands Type of Plant: This is a succulent that is grown as a houseplant in cold climates. It’s native to Madagascar, and hardy in zones 9 through 13. Why I Love/Hate this plant: This plant is a study in all the wonderful...
I Love Red Burgundy Okra Plants
Name: Abelmoschus esculentus aka red burgundy Okra Type of Plant: Okra comes from northern Africa, and this red version was developed at Clemson University and was introduced in 1983. It is a tall growing plant that is a member of the mallow family and is both...
I Love Rosmarinus officinalis, aka Rosemary
Name: Rosmarinus officinalis, aka rosemary Type of Plant: One of the most useful herbs to grow. A hardy shrub or groundcover in zones 8 and above, and some varieties a marginally hardy (depending on the winter) plant in zone 7. This can be grown in a pot and brought...
A Thank You Note To My Garden
As I finished my sermon for Sunday at the UU Church of Barnstable, I was reminded of this post I wrote on Whole Life Gardening a few years ago. It’s a long overdue thank you note. Dear Gardens, Yesterday I was reminded that sending you a note of appreciation is...
I Love Gaultheria Procumbens, aka the Native Wintergreen.
Name: Gaultheria procumbens aka wintergreen. Type of Plant: A low-growing, evergreen groundcover that is native to the Northeast. Why I Love/Hate this plant: This is an interesting plant. First of all, it’s useful at this time of year when many garden centers sell it...
I Love The Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata)
Name: Fiddle Leaf Fig (Ficus lyrata) Type of Plant: A large growing houseplant that is quite trendy right now. Why is it popular? Because the foliage is impressive: large and dark green. This plant is native to western Africa where it grows in the tropical rainforest....
An Appointment With Plants
When a friend or acquaintance says, “Let’s set a date.” I write it down so I won’t be late. I dutifully type it in on the schedule, With workdays, engagements, and other essentials. But to me the purpose of this written agenda, Moves past doctor’s visits and lunches...
I Love the ‘Leccino’ Olive Tree
I usually feature plants that people in the Northeast can grow. But since I just returned from Italy, this tree is on my mind. Name: Olea europaea ‘Leccino’ aka the Leccino olive, the plant that makes the fruit that is used to make Italian olive oil Type of Plant: A...