C. L. Fornari's Blog

A Postcard From Amazing Blooming Trees

by C. L. Fornari | June 20, 2025 | Gardens | 0 Comments

This postcard arrives as the Kousa dogwoods on Cape Cod are amazing in 2025. It explains why we're seeing such an incredible display this year, and why it might not be so prolific in 2026...

A Postcard From After The Rain

by C. L. Fornari | June 13, 2025 | Gardens | 0 Comments

17 Year Cicadas on Cape Cod

by C. L. Fornari | June 12, 2025 | Lifestuff | 0 Comments

Yes, they are here and on some parts of the Cape the Brood XIV is having the party of the summer. As the temperatures grow warmer they grow louder, and in some areas people complain about the din. Of course they're loud! If you were only able to mate for a couple of...

Countdown to Hydrangea Happiness – April 22

Apr 22, 2026 | Hydrangea Happiness

You're invited to the Virtual Book Launch party on Friday May 1st at 7 PM Eastern. Click here to register!

Over-Wintering Plants In The Garage

Jan 24, 2017 | Gardens

At this time of year my garage is packed to the rafters. Sure, I have the usual assortment of snow shovels, ladders, fertilizers and other garden...

Agastache ‘Blue Fortune’

Jan 21, 2017 | Love This!

Imagine: You’re sitting with friends and family around the fire pit, laughing and telling stories. Dinner and drinks have been consumed and everyone...

Call For Gardens ~ Cape Cod Hydrangea Fest 2017

Jan 20, 2017 | Lifestuff

This just in from the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce: Third Annual Cape Cod Hydrangea Festival July 7-16, 2017 Cape Cod nonprofits, people with...

I Love Virginia Bluebells

Jan 14, 2017 | Love This!

Imagine: A low-growing plant for shady places that gently spreads in open areas without becoming a nuisance. And the flowers are a pure sky blue....

I Love Star Magnolias

Jan 7, 2017 | Love This!

Imagine: As you stare out your kitchen window you imagine how it would be to have a small tree centered in the yard so that you’ll see it in all...

Words on Rocks When Walking in the Woods

Jan 6, 2017 | Lifestuff

A couple of years ago I was walking at Eagle Pond in Cotuit and came across a small stone that was tucked against the trunk of a tree. One word was...

Thriving Indoor Greenery – You Can Grow That!

Jan 5, 2017 | You Can Grow That

I think that one way to make a house instantly more cheerful is to have as many pots of indoor greenery, aka houseplants, as possible. If you've...

I Love Coleus

Dec 31, 2016 | Love This!

Imagine: You have a spot in the landscape where a large splash of color is needed. Preferably brilliant, show stopping color. It might be in the...

I Love Bolero Carrots

Dec 23, 2016 | Love This!

Imagine: You’re in the mood for something that’s organic and garden-fresh. You want the intense flavor only found in freshly picked produce....

Poetry Blocks

Dec 18, 2016 | Lifestuff

If you care about words, poetry and spontaneous fun, you'll like Poetry For Your Table. Eight wooden blocks imprinted with 48 words, and you'll be...

I Love Poinsettias

Dec 16, 2016 | Love This!

Imagine: In this world where you can buy strawberries in the supermarkets all year round, and purchase roses or mums for an occasion no matter what...

Holiday Greens From The Backyard

Dec 14, 2016 | Gardens, Projects/Crafts

If you have diverse plantings in your landscape it's likely that you have all the greens you need for creating lovely, fresh holiday decorations....

Plant Geeks R Us

Dec 10, 2016 | Gardens

Do you love plants? Is there something about gardens that continues to draw you in no matter what? Join the tribe. Plant Geeks R Us. Some are...

I Love The Enchantress Hydrangea

Dec 10, 2016 | Love This!

Imagine: You love flowers and the bigger and bolder they are, the happier they make you. Yet your outdoor living space is quite shady, so you need...

Dinner In December: You Can Grow That!

Dec 4, 2016 | You Can Grow That

I went out to the garden on December 4th and asked "What's for dinner?" You might be surprised to learn that even in the northeast the choices were...