It’s been an interesting winter for sure. Record low temperatures and extreme winter chills have kept furnaces running ’round the clock. Frequent messages from service providers, as well as newspaper articles and TV reports, have warned about the dangers of frozen pipes. However, on Groundhog Day, Punxsutawney Phil didn’t see his shadow, which supposedly predicts … Continue reading February Updates
All posts by Hilda M. Morrill
‘Tis the Season
December is a wonderful time of the year. As families decorate their homes for Christmas and the holidays, poinsettias are a popular addition to the decor. Pink poinsettias have always been a favorite in our home. Incidentally, December 12 was officially declared “National Poinsettia Day” by an Act of Congress in 2002. For me it’s … Continue reading ‘Tis the Season
Year of the Dahlia for 2019
Every year the National Garden Bureau, the non-profit organization whose mission is to disseminate basic information and instructions for backyard gardeners, selects one annual, one perennial, one edible and one bulb to be featured in their “Year of the …” program. Plants are chosen because they are popular, easy-to-grow, widely adaptable, genetically diverse, and versatile. … Continue reading Year of the Dahlia for 2019
Ripened Kousa Dogwood Berries
Savoring Fall! (Or, Savoring the Fall!) It’s officially Fall and there’s much to savor. The days are shorter and cooler, and some tree leaves are beginning to come down. Especially outstanding are the Kousa dogwood berries. The seven-son tree (Heptacodium) is spectacular. Called autumn lilac by some, its sepal-like rose calyces elongate after blooming and … Continue reading Ripened Kousa Dogwood Berries
Tips for Fall Planting of Vegetables
We’ve received the following tips for the fall planting of vegetables from the National Garden Bureau: As you harvest your tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, you might think your garden is winding down. But wait… You can start your fall planting now and reap a harvest all through the cool autumn season. Fall planting not only … Continue reading Tips for Fall Planting of Vegetables
We’re Having a Heat Wave!
The recent hot and muggy weather has everyone talking rather than singing. Most say that they don’t remember such a long, suffocating hot spell interspersed with frequent thunderstorms, torrential showers and flooded streets. It is summer, after all, and some say they rather enjoy their air-conditioned homes than having to worry about shoveling snow. Amazingly, … Continue reading We’re Having a Heat Wave!
Mayor’s Garden Contest
Mayor Martin J. Walsh is alerting Boston’s green thumbs that they have until Wednesday, July 11, to register for the annual “Mayor’s Garden Contest” presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department with a grand prize provided by JetBlue and media support provided by the Boston Herald. Yours truly fondly remembers the many years when … Continue reading Mayor’s Garden Contest
Bursting With Blossoms
As I type this column, I am reminded of the famous Rodgers and Hammerstein song, “June Is Bustin’ Out All Over!” from the hit musical, “Carousel.” Our June gardens are definitely bursting with blossoms. Some of the highlights are Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea), various Clematis, Climbing Hydrangeas (Hydrangea anomala petiolaris), Roses (especially Rosa ‘Zephirine Drouhin’), Blue … Continue reading Bursting With Blossoms
Lilacs at the Arboretum
We recently were delighted to receive the following information from our friends at the Arnold Arboretum: “When you plant a lilac in your garden you are choosing a shrub that is part of this country’s history. In 1767, for example, Thomas Jefferson recorded his method of planting lilacs in his garden book, and on March … Continue reading Lilacs at the Arboretum