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 […]
Brussel sprouts
If ever there was a spotlight and prime-time stage for a vegetable, it’s now for Brussels sprouts. Oh, not the soggy butter-flavored balls of years gone by – I’m talking about thin sliced, browned-in-the-skillet deliciousness. I have learned to love Brussels sprouts at the dinner table, but I have never grown them in my garden. […]
Greenbrier Valley House & Garden Tour
Hop on the bus, Gus. Make a new plan, Stan – the Greenbrier Valley House & Garden Tour is back. Mark your calendar for June 11, 2022, 10 am – 4pm. This is one of my favorite days in one of my favorite towns. Eleven properties will be open for touring in Whites Sulphur Springs […]
Cool your garden down with water features
Summer and water just go together. The ocean, a lake, or a creek — something about being near the water is peaceful. You may be lucky enough to have a swimming pool or fishing pond on your property, but that is not an option for most of us. Still, there are ways to bring water […]
Celebrating WV’s wild and wonderful natural wonders
Happy birthday, West Virginia! You have aged, but your mountains and meadows are filled with wonder. It’s no surprise that the black bear was chosen to be the state animal by popular vote and officially adopted by the Legislature in 1973. They roam our hills and even our neighborhoods. It wasn’t that long ago that […]
Welcome to the WV Botanic Garden
One Friday morning, I played hooky from work, jumped in a friend’s car, and set off on an adventure. We headed to the West Virginia Botanic Garden at Tibbs Run Preserve in Morgantown. We (when I say we, I really mean not me) packed a cooler with snacks and water, even a little chocolate, and […]
My Favorite Things
Whiskers on kittens, raindrops on roses — of course these are a few of my favorite things. I even like snow on my nose and eyelashes, but there are many other moments throughout the day that make me happy. It’s Christmastime and I love the smell of fresh pine. The smell greets me as I […]
Hammering Out Your Creativity
One of the many reasons to love fall in West Virginia is the expansion of FestivALL to include FestivFALL. It happens every year mid-October (Oct. 10-17, 2020). Although this year most of the activities will happen virtually, there are plenty of opportunities to see, do, shop and enjoy. I was lucky enough to participate in […]
A Remembrance of an Old Friend and His Lovely Garden
In a small courtyard with a white, wrought-iron settee, an intimate group of family and friends gathered to say goodbye. Through thoughtful prayers, tears, and a eulogy delivered with wit and love, I realized this was the perfect way to honor a life well-lived. Against the church wall was a simple border of tea roses, […]
Good to Grow: Introduce blues into the rhythm of your garden
As published in the Charleston Gazette. “The blue bell is the sweetest flower That waves in summer air; Its blossoms have the mightiest power To soothe my spirit’s care.” — “The Blue Bell,” by Emily Bronte I love blues. Yes, the music, and blue china, blue skies, blue jeans and blue in the garden. Now […]
