The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic gardener
Ever since the evolution of language, humans have been designating names to the objects in their environment. Whether through symbols or spoken language, names evolved as a means of communication. Humans have gotten very good at the name game. We name our children, our pets, and objects in our environment; some even name their cars …
The signs are all there, the call of the red-winged blackbird, the emergence of the crocus, the first American robin sighting, all telling me that it is official. The days are getting longer and warmer, and the maple trees are in bloom. Yes, finally, spring has sprung. As I stroll through the landscape, noticing all …
We all have one; I have several. Lists of places we want to visit and things we'd like to see or accomplish in our lifetime. Along with my regular bucket list, I also have several botanical bucket lists that include plant species I'd love to see in person and cultivars I wish to grow someday. …
The calendar tells me that the first official day of spring arrives tomorrow. Shout it from the rooftops, do your happy dance, and gather your gardening gear! After a long winter, I, like most gardeners, am chomping at the bit to get back into the garden. I want to plant seeds, smell flowers, dig in …
Did I hear? Yes, there it is! The glorious song of the red-winged blackbird! They have arrived back at their nesting grounds as the marshes start to thaw. To me, it is a sign that spring is right around the corner. When the sunshine begins to feel a little warmer on my skin, the birds …
If you're like me, you love seeds. There is something hopeful and uplifting in the promise contained in each seed. An ancient proverb reminds us that "All the flowers of all the tomorrows are in the seeds of today." I am so enthralled with seeds that I tend to collect a lot of them. My …
Continue reading "The Monumental Task of Organizing One’s Seeds"
In 2020, seed sales skyrocketed as the COVID pandemic took a firm hold on the globe. Whether due to fears of food insecurity, more time at home, or simple curiosity, droves of budding gardeners emerged. Seed companies struggled to keep up with demand, especially with COVID safety protocols in place, as orders piled up. Several …
Less than 30 days until spring, or so the calendar tells me. Here in the Northeastern part of the United States, we are still knee-deep in snow, with more predicted in this week's forecast. February is the last hurdle to get through before we can have a chance at getting back into the garden. Typically, …
I failed…again. Browning leaves, lack of growth and loss of vigor were the telltale signs. Over a few months, it had happened gradually, starting with a few dead leaves here and a failing stem there. “Maybe they will bounce back,” I would often utter as I walked by the poor things, drooping in their misery. …
Last week I posted about bird-watching and the joys and endless entertainment that this hobby provides. I also discussed hanging bird feeders to provide a source of food for wild birds when natural seed sources are depleted. What I didn’t mention last week was that when you feed the wild birds, there is a certainty …
