The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
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 …
Writer Paul Theroux once wrote, "Winter is a season of recovery and preparation," and as a gardener in the Northeastern part of the United States, I couldn't agree more. I have become dependent on the gardening lull that the winter months provide for rest, reflection, and preparation. These cold months offer me a respite from …
It may be mid-January, and the temperature outside may be below freezing, but I, for one, am dreaming of spring. Already tired of the seemingly endless greyscale environment that Northeastern winters bring, I long for the vibrant colors of warmer seasons. I often find myself staring at the beautiful purple cabbage in the grocery store …
It’s good to have goals and aspirations. They give us something to look forward to, focus on, and work towards. And what better time to set goals than in the New Year? In a previous post, I shared my resolutions for 2021, but I realized that I have a different set of specific goals for …
It’s twenty degrees outside, and I notice the freshly fallen snow covering the landscape as I gaze out my window. It is beautiful, covering every blade of grass and outlining each branch in brilliant white. When the sun finally peeks out from behind the clouds, the entire landscape dazzles, as if outfitted with millions of …
THISTLE BE THE DAY 