Temperatures have become decidedly milder over the past couple of days. The ice-covered snow that’s been with us for nearly two weeks has finally begun to retreat. While I know this isn’t the last snowfall we’ll see this season, it feels good to see all that white stuff melting. Usually when we get a storm—anything from … Continue reading Let the Melting Commence
Spring
Bewitched by Witch Hazel
Spring blooming witch hazel in the garden Maybe it’s because the flowers of my witch hazel (Hamamelis) tree are the first flowers I see in spring. Maybe it’s because witch hazel doesn’t care if there’s snow on the ground when it blooms. Maybe it’s because witch hazel has flowers that are different from any other … Continue reading Bewitched by Witch Hazel
Got Mulch?
Today I’m sharing a few words about one of my favorite garden helpers: mulch. You’ve planted your garden, watered the plants well, and stood back and admired your hard work. But is something missing? It is if you haven’t added a layer of mulch on top of the soil.You’ve seen it in bags at the … Continue reading Got Mulch?
Timing Is Everything
Did you ever notice how timing is one thing to always consider in the garden and in life? When you plant out those seedlings in the spring. When the rain comes (or doesn’t). When the last—sometimes very late—frost hits. The surprise of record high or low temperatures. And through it all Murphy’s Law plays its … Continue reading Timing Is Everything
Sunshine and Raindrops
After days of absolutely beautiful springtime weather, the forecast is for rain, possible thunderstorms, and “marginal risk of severe weather today.” True, the day did start out cloudy and gray, but outside the sun is now shining and the sky is blue with fluffy white clouds. Welcome to the Berkshires where guessing the season can … Continue reading Sunshine and Raindrops
May Day
The first of May has finally come and the garden has awakened. Daffodils are in bloom everywhere in the yard, a succession of early, mid, and late season bloomers. Tulips in brilliant orange and yellow accompany them, along with the last of the early flowering hyacinth. The peach tree by the woods is covered in … Continue reading May Day
On Your Mark, Get Ready …
Memorial Day weekend is almost here, but not quite. There’s a frost warning for tonight, so I’ve moved my hanging baskets and other annuals into the garage for protection against the (hopefully) last freezing temperatures of the season. While perennials tend to weather a frost with no permanent damage, the last one put an end … Continue reading On Your Mark, Get Ready …
This Is Why We Wait
The general consensus around these parts is that planting in the garden is done after Memorial Day. It’s a “just in case” kind of thing most years, but in springtime in the Berkshires, you never know what weather Mother Nature is going to toss in the mix next.Case in point: this spring. We enjoyed an … Continue reading This Is Why We Wait
This Is It
I walked out the back door this morning and all I had to do was breathe to know that the lilacs have begun to bloom. It’s a fragrance I wait for each spring, one I wish stayed around longer. Cut branches will fill the house with their scent. I’ll enjoy each and every breath, indoors … Continue reading This Is It
April Showers
It’s raining. Again. As I look out the window, there’s so much green, thanks to all that rain. The trees and shrubs are leafing out and spring favorites like bleeding hearts have emerged. It’s amazing how much it’s all changed in just a couple of weeks. Of course, the green in my garden isn’t just from … Continue reading April Showers
Pen, Paper, Plant 