When I arrived at the John Hay Writing Studio, I was shown a book where those who used the space could write about their experiences. My entry on day 4 was short. Apologies. While I understand how wonderful it is to...
Updated 7/13/17 The Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival has three more days to go. This event is ten days when we celebrate lovely gardens, hydrangeas, and...
Imagine: Her kids came home from school all excited about a science program that had been presented in the auditorium. “Mom! We have to help save...
One of the questions I frequently get on the radio goes something like this: "How do I get rid of the weeds that are in the cracks of my patio?" The...
We are finally at the time of year when I can walk into the garden and ask, "What's for dinner?" Lettuce, peas, broccoli rabe, and heads of broccoli...
Imagine: Garden Designer’s Diary, June 23 The client said she wanted unusual plants in her garden. “I’d like pods, and grasses and quirky things I...
Name: Cornus kousa aka the kousa dogwood Type of Plant: A small tree that’s native to Asia but grows so well in Zones 5 to 8. There are a few...
It was a cool and damp month of May at Poison Ivy Acres and the first four days of June continued in the same mode. This is fine with me, because...
Imagine: The early morning sun streamed into Karla’s yard as she stood with her morning coffee, contemplating the space around the patio. She...
Imagine: I pictured a sea of color below some grasses. I needed a plant that would do well despite the fact that half of the area it would be...
Imagine: When I first moved to Poison Ivy Acres the front entry to the house was a lawn. That’s all, just a lawn. I knew I wanted a flower garden...
Imagine: Yes indeed. Imagine a plant that looks fantastic in the garden center when it's fresh from the grower. But that plant is out for just one...
Imagine: Carla loved to sleep with the window open. For her, the arrival of spring wasn’t announced by daffodils or tulips, but by her ability to...
One of my favorite things is a linen dishtowel from Studio Patro, in San Francisco. I don’t know if they still make it, but if not you should email...
Imagine: Cheryl was feeling especially stressed. She had projects due at work, the kids had upcoming dentist appointments and dance lessons, and...
This is the question I asked myself for three years. The first year I noticed the brown-gray "knitted" look on my leaves I thought it was wind...
For the past six months I’ve tried to enlist the help of larger plant companies to help cultivate the Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival, but have had no...
Imagine: Frank planted over 45 blueberry bushes on the corner of his property almost 25 years ago. Originally he planned for these to be picked by...
David was thrilled with his new house. After years of renting, this was the first home he’d ever owned. He loved the size (small), the location (on...