I Love Prunus laurocerasus ‘Otto Luyken’
Imagine: You like to cut fresh greens from around your house and use them for wreaths, swags and flower arrangements. Holly is nice, of course, but for holidays it is rather old school. It’s good to have another leaf shape and a broadleaf evergreen that doesn’t curl...
The Curse Reversed?
Like so many Americans, I watched Game 7 of the World Series last night and was rooting for the Cubs. (How can someone who lives in Massachusetts, where the Red Sox were under the “Curse of the Bambino” for so long not cheer the Cubs on?) This game was...
I Love Fothergilla x intermedia ‘Blue Shadow’
Imagine: You’re disappointed to see summer come to an end, and you really hate it when the sun starts setting so much earlier in the fall. Setting sun at 5 o’clock? Sigh. Fortunately there are plants whose brilliant fall colors that are glowing in the morning as...
Is Your Outdoor Diary On Your Phone?
Some years ago when we lived on Pratt Hill Road in Spencertown, NY, one of our neighbors had a historical document in her attic. Up on the second floor, under the eves in the storage area, someone had kept a written diary on the walls. Notations such as “April...
Garden Vegetables in Late Fall
The garden may not appear to be full and abundant at this time of year, but looks can be deceiving. Yes, many vegetable plants are closing up shop. We are still picking Mountain Magic tomatoes, but the others have succumbed to early blight a in September. Now, in the...
Outside In Late October
Halloween is within sight but your mind isn’t on costumes or trick-or-treat candy. You’re savoring one of the last evenings on your deck, appreciating the trees as their fall color is illuminated by the setting sun. You’re relishing each gathering...
I Love the At Last Rose
Imagine: You need a small bouquet, something that will lift spirits and prompt smiles all day. Maybe it’s an apology for being cranky with a girlfriend. Or perhaps it’s for your mom who’s going through a tough time. This small bunch of flowers might simply be a...
How To Plant Garlic
We planted our garlic today. This is something that is done in the fall and we usually put ours in the ground in October. If you’re new to growing garlic, here’s what you need to know. Your garlic will sprout in about three...
Garden Design Lessons From Nature
There are lessons in garden design everywhere, but especially in natural areas. Here are a few that I was thinking about as I walked our dog in local conservation land. The other thing that the photo above teaches us about garden design is that we are well off when we...