Witch hazel in bloom Today is the last day of winter. Tomorrow morning at 10:47 spring arrives, and I couldn’t be happier. It’s been a long, drawn-out winter here in the Berkshires and throughout New England. And while the arrival of spring won’t flip a magical switch weather-wise, it does wonders psychologically. In the quiet … Continue reading Bidding Winter a Not So Fond Farewell
Spring
The Rugged Rugosa
My inspiration this week comes from two things: an article I recently wrote about the different types of roses and my determination to get a particular rose in my garden under control.I’ve noticed for the past few years that the rugosa rose (Rosa rugosa) planted in front of my house has been spreading and was … Continue reading The Rugged Rugosa
Rain, Sunshine, Weed, Repeat
The moss phlox (Phlox subulata) doesn't mind the weeds. I should have spent Tuesday’s sunny afternoon in the garden weeding, but I decided to treat myself first. I went plant shopping, the first time this season. Call it inspiration for the sweaty work ahead. Yes, delay makes the weeds grow taller and stronger, but I needed … Continue reading Rain, Sunshine, Weed, Repeat
Spring is in the Air
I count the passing of the seasons by what’s happening in my garden. I know spring is near when the witch hazel blooms. Then the snow recedes, and the snowdrops appear. Daffodils and other spring flowering bulbs follow. When the early flowers bloom, the air takes on their fragrance, but none are as fragrant as … Continue reading Spring is in the Air
Daffodils
White daffodils with a sunny yellow center. Today is the last day of April and there is plenty in bloom in the garden. Blue vinca flowers form a lovely backdrop to plants that are in the process of leafing out like the rugosa roses. The creeping phlox I was so concerned about just two weeks … Continue reading Daffodils
Ode to a Cold
Daffodils. For the past week the weather has been good for gardening. Unfortunately, I’ve spent most of those days indoors, grumbling at my ill fortune to have crossed paths with the common cold. Within 48 hours of attending and mingling at a historical society program at our local library, I could feel stuffiness, achy muscles, … Continue reading Ode to a Cold
AS THE GARDEN AWAKES
Bleeding heart awakes from its three-season dormancy. As I begin writing this on Tuesday afternoon, I can hear the rain tapping on the sunroom roof. The skies have turned gray, leaving no remnant of this morning’s blue. Outside my window, the witch hazel’s petals have fallen with only a few stubborn bits of yellow remaining, … Continue reading AS THE GARDEN AWAKES
It Begins With Seeds
After days of rain, overcast skies, a bit of snow (yes, snow), and temperatures that served as a chilly reminder that we’re still early in the season, the sun came out today. While the temperature didn’t improve much, just seeing the sun was a boon to my spirits, and it put me in the mood … Continue reading It Begins With Seeds
Winter Wishes and Persephone’s Dreams
A package arrived on my doorstep today, a big one. About six feet tall, but less than 12 inches wide, the box contained winter wishes come to life: alive, but dormant fruit trees. A couple of months ago, I ordered two apple trees, 2 elderberries, and one mulberry. Last week, I received notice that my … Continue reading Winter Wishes and Persephone’s Dreams
Thoughts on the Eve of Spring
Today is the last day of winter. The snow has melted, leaving only small patches here and there in the parts of the yard that spend their days in the shade. The witch hazel is a glorious yellow outside my window, its spidery flowers vibrant against the blue sky. Snowdrops and daffodils have emerged from … Continue reading Thoughts on the Eve of Spring
Pen, Paper, Plant 