Who needs words when flowers can express the moment?

What fun that we can send messages by sending flowers. The trick is to know the floral language and choose the right flower for the right moment. Let’s start with the easy one – red roses communicate love, passion, and perfection. Perfect for lovers and expressing desire no wonder it is a Valentine’s Day staple. […]

Winter Damage to the Garden

Here we are – the end of January with several weeks of winter yet to come. That means several weeks of potential winter damage to the garden. Oh, the normal up and down of temperatures can be endured by most plants if they are in the proper USDA Zone (Zone 6a and 6b for most […]

A moment of escape

As the year begins, I am treating myself to a daily indulgence. Yes, chocolate is involved, but there is more. I read.   I have always been a reader, but this book is special. It was given to me as a gift and has been the perfect way to end my day and send me to […]

O Tannenbaum, O Tannenbaum -how lovely are thy branches

There is something about a Christmas tree. That magical glow from the lights, the reflection of shiny trinkets, the smiles, the smells – it all makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside. A decorated tree creates childlike wonder, but raising and grooming those beautiful trees is a year-round job. To learn more about the tree’s […]

Edible ornaments for our outside friends

As I wandered around the tree lot last year looking for my tree, I saw many friends, but it was a conversation with Betsy and her daughter that has stuck with me all year.  This dynamic mother-daughter duo was searching for a misfit tree to add to their outside seating area. Get this: it was […]

Three sisters of the garden

As we begin the holiday season, spending time with family is at the top of everyone’s list. Whether they live next door, across town, or on a different coast, family and the holidays go together. Families come in all forms – those we are given and those we choose because they make us a better […]

Plant now for a springtime bouquet

Have you planted your spring bulbs yet? Me neither? We need to get busy Late October is the ideal time, but early November will do.  The goal is to get the bulbs in the ground before the ground freezes and give the bulbs twelve weeks of cool temperatures before sprouting in the springtime. Some of […]

Gothic Gardens can be wicked and wonderful

When a friend told me she was painting her red brick house black, I was surprised but excited. Then she said the trim would be black too. For a quick second, I thought she had lost her mind – until I remembered she is a style icon, and of course, it would be fabulous. I […]

Ten reasons why I love October

Really, what’s not to love about October – a month filled with autumn goodness and gifts of nature. In honor of my favorite month, the 10th month of the year, here are 10 reasons why I love October. Did you catch that I called pumpkins a fruit? Technically, because they begin as a flower or […]

Lilies fit for a Queen

A new season is upon us. As we prepare to say goodbye to a Queen, we also say goodbye to summer. Change is happening. With a nod to the Queen, I will plant what is widely considered her favorite flower – Lily of the Valley. With its fragrant smell, gracefully arched stems, and small white […]