The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
For years, I avoided succulents. Despite my fascination with them and affinity for how they look, with their fleshy, water-storing stems and leaves, they stood no chance of surviving in my household. I am loathe to admit that I have killed many a cactus in my day. When it comes to succulents such as cacti, …
You know when the kids in the backseat of the car constantly ask, “Are we there yet?” Well, that’s been me the past few weeks while I dream of spring. Don’t get me wrong, I love the changing of the seasons. My Northeastern roots keep me longing for that first snowflake of the season and …
As I’m working on my seed inventory and dreaming of the season to come, I love to flip through the seed packets surveying the beautiful photographs and reading the information printed on the packets. I’m looking forward to growing many varieties this season, some new and others annual favorites. One of the groups of flowers …
With a new year comes new resolutions! It’s that time of year again when people take a moment to reflect on the past twelve months and decide to make changes. A few years ago, I learned that I need to set goals that make me happy rather than ones that create self-loathing (I’m looking at …
Happy New Year, garden friends! I’m back after taking time to be with family over the holidays. I hope you also enjoyed the holidays and had time with loved ones. It’s 2024! With a new year comes new beginnings, and when a new year begins, it ushers in a sense of renewal and hope. A …
Continue reading "Reflecting on Our Second Season at Whistling Bee Farm"
Many factors must be considered when deciding if a plant will thrive in your garden. One of the criteria I look at first is whether the plant is hardy in my planting zone. A plant hardiness zone-also known as growing zone or gardening zone-helps gardeners determine which plants can survive in their region’s climate. Zones …
And just like that, the growing season is officially over! November went by in a flash, and now we’re entering the last month of 2023! Each year, I marvel at how fast time flies. I’m unsure how it always catches me off guard, but it always does. It is time again to share what’s been …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: November 2023"
November is a month of reflection. It is a time to stop, take a breath, and think about one simple word: gratitude. The concept of gratitude is universal, regardless of geography, religion, race, or gender. We should all strive for it, and it’s something that I hope everyone can find. Because if we can find …
Ahh, dahlias. The queen of the garden herself. Coming in seemingly infinite colors, sizes, and forms, she is the star of the fall garden. In our northern (5b) growing zone, she can be a bit of a diva and becomes quite the labor of love to produce. I plant them out in late spring; they …
Here we are in November, already deep into the fall season. We gardeners and farmers in northern growing zones are seeing the finish line. It’s now a mad dash to prepare the beds for winter and tuck all our plants in for their long winter nap. Our to-do list isn’t getting shorter necessarily, but it …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: October 2023"
THISTLE BE THE DAY 