Three kings
For many, Christmas is past and preparations are focused on celebrating the year to come. Not in our house as we are still in the midsts of the Christmas holiday. Christmas is not really over for us until January 6, the Day of the Kings, when the three Kings bearing gifts made their way to […]
Bird food
In Winter more time is often spent looking out than being out. The gardens are asleep, waiting for warmer weather and increased light. But the birds who have remained for the seasons are still quite active.A large red-bellied woodpecker frequents the suet feeder next to the kitchen window. It pecks away with intensity seeking to […]
Winter greens
On cold, contemplative walks, one of the brighter plants to catch the eye are mosses (Bryopyta). Unlike more vascular plants, it looks perky and green regardless of the temperature or relative lack of light. Ungloving my hand, I reach down to feel the smooth and soft features of this non-vascular plant. Spore heads sit up, […]
Ordering seeds
Just when the gardens have been put to bed, it is time to order seeds for the coming year. I get most of mine from Fedco Seeds, which has a great selection of heirlooms as well as good prices. Before I order, I go through the seeds I still have from the prior year to […]
It’s time for vanilla
I have over 20 clients at Ann’s Place for my next class on making vanilla extract. Like maple syrup, once you try the real thing you cannot go back. To make vanilla extract you need two things: alcohol and vanilla beans. The alcohol part is easy and I always choose vodka for a couple of […]
Merry Christmas!
The boxes of ornaments we use for our Christmas tree pales in comparison to what Juana has stored for her nativity or el Nacimento. Countless numbers of carefully wrapped and delicate heirlooms are pulled from the attic and put aside to be revealed after the Christmas tree is decorated. And while the Christmas tree can […]
Seasonal greens
Conifers are perhaps the most thought of Christmas greenery for many cultures. There is, however, a rich history of holiday greens celebrating the Winter Solstice going back to pre-Christian times. Four of the oldest, three of which I have pictures of, are holly, ivy, mistletoe and laurel. All of these plants share being evergreen and […]
Christmas flowers
Perhaps more than other holidays, Christmas has many flowers specifically timed to have their best display on and around the 25th of the month. Most are tropical perennials and among my favorites are: Amaryllis: These showy bulbs with large, colorful tubular flowers are a core part of every late year display. I keep them year […]
Winter’s full moon
Tonight’s Winter Moon is escaping the grasp of neighboring maple (Acer) and oak (Quercus) trees as it rises above a conifer lit for the holidays. It’s the last evening prior to the solstice and the night is crisp and cold as it should be in New England. The air freezes the inside of my nose […]
Split wood
Coming back to stack more logs, I count about 140 rings on the red oak (Quercia rubra) that was taken down recently. I suspect the true age of the tree is closer to 150 years given where on the trunk I started the count. Some years the rings are broad, indicating lots of rain and […]