Nascent Summer seems to have settled in nicely, replete and contented. Yet her once dewy, fresh face begins to grow sallow and somber under the impossible weight of hot, humid temperatures and lack of meaningful moisture. Her youth, vigor and novelty are starting to wear thin.  July is upon us….

Every flower awaited its turn, like an eager dance partner, as the bees flitted and twirled amongst them. Summer’s arrival finds our gardens and landscapes in full bloom.  It’s no coincidence that Summer’s arrival coincides with National Pollinator Week.  A wonderful time to revisit the importance of pollinators and how…

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…

The sun dappled and danced upon the lawn as it beamed through the lush canopy.  Although temperatures have been mostly mild, the sun is still a major factor in our yards and gardens, even if we don’t always feel her warmth.  In fact, it is the most essential element in…

  And just like that, the landscape exploded – trees, shrubs, perennials.  The pace seemed to hasten as we neared Memorial Day, the gateway to Summer, with warming temperatures and rain.   It wasn’t long before we felt out of step and overwhelmed. Fear not, gardeners, for we do have some…

  The bee floated amongst the flowers, hovering and bouncing between the blooms, landing and lingering upon only the most appealing.  He made several passes, returning to some, while ignoring others.  He seemed discerning in his quest, much like today’s home buyer. Landscaping, or the lack thereof, can help or…

The air wafted, sweet and warm, through the budding branches, over the greening grass, in and about the burgeoning perennials.  The earth was softening, and the landscape was preparing to burst with color and life.  Nature was beckoning us outdoors into her lovely, therapeutic realm. Amid our new “normal” and…

May sidled in, almost undetectable, on the tail end of an April storm. Thus far, she seemed a bit capricious, but hopes are high that she will bridge the gap to Summer with graciousness and generosity. May means planting – annuals, perennials, etc., and planting isn’t just for gardens and…

  Swelling Redbuds, drifts of Squill, and nodding Daffodils began to pepper the blank canvas of early Spring with bursts of life and color. Along with Spring Clean Ups and Lawn Renovations, we must turn our attention to one of the most important additions to the landscape. Mulch.  If you…

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Spring ephemerals pushed through the late season snow, undaunted and assured, compelled by its very nature despite the defiant environment. We too are facing a world of change and uncertainty as tensions run high, and emotions remain fragile as we attempt to navigate…

The silhouette of flocking geese, like great black ribbons meandering the sky, gleefully trumpeted their return home.  Another sure sign of the changing season. If there’s something we’ve all learned over the past two years, change is inevitable and often swift and unforgiving.  2022 is shaping up to be another…

  Like a receding glacier, Winter withered and melted, leaving behind a scarred and battered landscape.  Its tenuous grasp was loosening, and its legacy becoming more apparent, but March would surely deliver us unto Spring, eventually… Spring officially arrives March 20th, and Winter will be nothing more than a distant,…