The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic gardener
It is the season of thanks, a time when we stop and reflect on what we are grateful for in our lives. It is normally a time to gather with family and friends and let them know how much we appreciate them. Only this year, it is different. On the surface, it may seem difficult …
What do you think about when you hear the word 'spa?' A massage? A manicure or pedicure? Wearing a cucumber face mask while noshing on bonbons? Whatever you think of, it probably entails some method to de-stress, relax, and feel better about yourself. Only this year, a face mask has taken on a whole new …
Fall is a busy time for gardeners, as with the threat of colder weather approaching, we must set about our tasks with a sense of urgency. Whether we like it or not, winter is on its way. A couple of hard frosts have caused me to step into high gear as they are reminders that …
Floating gracefully on the breeze, like a ballerina swaying to nature's tune, a spot of brilliant color shines against the bright blue sky. I watch, mesmerized, as the graceful dancer flits to and fro with its dance partner and hold my breath as the finale unfolds. The petals of a flower await, like a stage …
Happy Halloween! One of my favorite holidays, Halloween, elicits fond memories from my childhood and as a parent passing down the holiday's traditions. Costumes, candy, and creativity go hand-in-hand with this holiday, along with images of ghosts, witches, and vampires. However, perhaps there is no more iconic symbol of Halloween than the jack-o-lantern. Carving pumpkins …
If I was told that I could only grow one type of vegetable in my garden, I think I would have to choose beans. I'm not sure when my obsession with beans began, but I have been growing them annually in my vegetable garden for the past 13 years. I can't imagine ever leaving them …
The phrase "stop and smell the roses" is an admonition to slow down and take time to enjoy life and soak in the beauty around you. The expression came into use in the 1960s from a rephrasing of golfer and autobiographical writer Walter Hagen's words, "Don't hurry. Don't worry. And be sure to smell the flowers …
Continue reading "Stop and Smell the Roses, Peonies, Irises, Hydrangeas, Lilacs…"
Flowers or foliage? The importance of each has been debated persistently over the years by gardeners near and far. Some adamantly rally behind flowers, pointing out their benefit to pollinators and ultimate beauty. No plant dare set root in their gardens unless they are adorned with ornamental blooms, as flowers should always be the star …
The weather is getting cooler here in zone 5, and the leaves are starting to show signs of change. Like dazzling dancers dressed in red, orange, and yellow costumes, they prepare to put on their show. This will be their final act, a brilliant extravaganza of color before the curtain falls, and winter enters the …
Life is full of surprises: some good, some not so good. At times, these surprises can be earth-shattering, changing our entire lives, and others make much less of an impact. Yet, they all can shape the way we live or think about things. Learning to embrace these surprises instead of fearing them or dismissing them …
