Lavender Haze
What do you do with 50 acres of reclaimed coal fields? Well, if you are Appalachian Botanical Company, you grow lavender. What started as a conversation in 2016 has become a thriving business in Boone County with a mission of building a profitable botanical enterprise that puts West Virginians and reclaimed coal mine land back […]
Attracting hummingbirds to your garden
I find small gardens magical. With limited space, gardeners are creative and playful with their choices. They also tend to care for them to the point of perfection. I spent time in a garden this week that glowed. With a reflecting pool and Mark Blumenstein art as a spout, the water sound babbling was the […]
My Disney Adventure
For the first time in over two years, I waved goodbye to the neighbors, lavished the pup with goodbye belly rubs, and boarded a plane. Just like the winning Superbowl quarterback, I was headed to Disney World. Yes, this spring, for the first time ever, I went to Walt Disney World. Why this year, I’m […]
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 […]
