With Memorial Day behind us, and over a week into June, our “safe” planting date has finally arrived!  This generally marks the beginning of warming temperatures, which in turn means my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease as temperatures and humidity rise.  When I do find myself outside, I…

The Cottonwood’s downy seeds fell like snow.  Drifting and swirling upon the air, some suspended momentarily as they sought the perfect landing place.  Soon, they began to snag and accumulate.  It was magical, slightly alarming, and a complete contrast to the summer heat. Contrast, in the landscape, is an important,…

  With Mother’s Day just behind us, our “safe” planting date has finally arrived!  This generally marks the beginning of warming temperatures, which in turn means my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease as temperatures and humidity rise.  When I do find myself outside, I tend to seek out the…

  With Mother’s Day fast approaching, our “safe” planting date has finally arrived!  This generally marks the beginning of warming temperatures, which in turn means my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease as temperatures and humidity rise.  When I do find myself outside, I tend to seek out the cool,…

The Cottonwood’s downy seeds fell like snow.  Drifting and swirling upon the air, some suspended momentarily as they sought the perfect landing place.  Soon, they began to snag and accumulate.  It was magical, slightly alarming, and a complete contrast to the heat wave that was upon us. Contrast, in the…

  As temperatures continue to rise, my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease. I am not a fan of heat, especially humidity. My routine becomes a mad dash to the house, to the car, to the office, to the car, and back home to the safety and comfort of air…

  The branches lay upon the snow like the skeletal remains of a great beast whose carcass had been ravaged and cleaned.  These were the bones and inclinations of a decade passed. Now, that we have entered a new year and new decade, 2020 has introduced some exciting gardening trends,…

  As temperatures continue to rise, my outside exposure gradually begins to decrease. I am not a fan of heat, especially humidity. My routine becomes a mad dash to the house, to the car, to the office, to the car, and back home to the safety and comfort of air…

  The morning light dappled and danced across the lawn.  It was soft and benevolent.  The sleepy trees seemed to stretch and extend towards her warmth while the flowers tilted their faces, greeting the day with a kiss from the sun.   It’s mostly true…sometimes true…I read about it once…  The…

Winter holds its own beauty – in structure and contrast.  Bare leafed trees and shrubs reveal their naked, statuesque forms, juxtaposed against the soft, white snow.  Winter is not merely a gray season and should never be written off as such.  Sometimes beauty is demure and humble.  Sometimes it begs for a second…

Independence Day came and went.  It was a lovely day.  A perfect day to celebrate the birth of our Nation – the greatest country on God’s green earth.  As I sat in the shade along the parade route, I felt my heart swelling with pride as I witnessed the patriotic enthusiasm…

Memorial Day rolls out the red carpet in anticipation of Summer’s arrival when Spring’s volatile weather gives way to long, languid, warm days when life seems to slow and mellow. Memorial Day is also a symbolic time in our yards and gardens. It is a call to arms, and we…