The musings and adventures of an enthusiastic grower
It’s that time of year again when I sit and reflect on the past season and look forward to the next. Goals emerge as I reflect on what I hope to accomplish in the upcoming year. Yup, with a new year comes new resolutions! A few years ago, I learned I need to set goals …
Our 2024 dahlia season is officially over, and all the dahlias are (thankfully) dug, divided, and safely stored until next season. It was a very challenging growing year, as climate change brought early heatwaves and crippling drought, which took a toll on the farm flowers, especially our dahlias. We lost many plants to the heat; …
By the time October rolls around, most of our flowers have started to fade, and I have turned my attention to wrapping up the season. I collect seeds and harvest the final flowers for drying while the threat of a season-ending frost looms. However, a few flower exceptions have become quintessential fall blooms on the …
Continue reading "What’s Growing on in the Garden: October 2024"
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a sensitive soul. I wear my heart on my sleeve and can be affected deeply by what’s happening around me. My mind is restless, and it is often challenging to quiet it. I have dubbed myself a worry expert and never lack for something that causes me …
Do you know how, when you watch a show or a movie, sometimes they have warnings to let you know that there is graphic content or strobe lights? I should include a warning with this post because this isn’t my usual feel-good, pretty picture kind of post. You see, our farm is being invaded, and …
Spring has officially arrived! At least according to the calendar. However, I don’t think Mother Nature got the memo because this week, we are dipping well below freezing each night. With the unusually warm winter, many of our fall-planted bulbs are weeks ahead of schedule, and now I’m rushing to protect them from the freezing …
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 …
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 …
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…"
THISTLE BE THE DAY 