Weeding… pruning… weeding… deadheading… and more weeding! It seems that’s all I’ve been doing lately. Although I don’t like the idea of using synthetic herbicides considered harmful to humans and the environment, I have been using an organic citrus oil-based spray that comes highly recommended, with good results. The garden smells like orange peels. Of … Continue reading The July Garden →

After this year’s terrible weather killed off many of our early spring blossoms, such as those of the forsythias and many azaleas, it’s wonderful to see that the clematis and digitalis purpurea (common foxglove) are glorious. Once the digitalis flowers fade, we cut off the elongated stems/spikes at their base and store them in a … Continue reading The June Garden →

In spite of the eternal winter of 2015 and our so-so spring, there is beauty to be found in the garden. According to a recent UMass Extension e-newsletter, “Abnormally cold April weather has seriously damaged many landscape trees and shrubs.” Alas, our forsythia border never recovered and we missed its sunny blossoms. Even some of … Continue reading The May Garden →

As I write, I’m celebrating the first day of Spring, also known as the Spring Equinox. I’m anxious because we are expecting a snowstorm tonight. Daffodils, scillas and crocuses are in bloom in the garden and we hope that the snowfall is gentle and not too wet so that the blossoms are not damaged so … Continue reading Spring Has Sprung →

Valentine’s Day celebrations have come and gone but the memories linger on as gifted chocolates and floral bouquets continue to enchant. Newspapers, blogs and social media all seem to point to red roses as being the most popular gift of choice at this time of the year. The weathermen tell us that this was the … Continue reading Valentine Memories →