Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
Only the tips of the tulip trees (Liriodendron tulipifera) have started to swell. The surrounding maples (Acer) are still asleep though are ready for sugaring. A few dead branches need pruning, though the next high wind may do that job for me.
Visiting my daughter Sarah and grandson Charlie a few days ago, Juana, Charlotte and I take advantage of the splendid day we are presented with and travel to a local wildlife sanctuary in Ipswich. The first thing I spot is an artistically stacked wood pile that has a massive branch cutting through it. I don’t […]
Looking as fresh as possible, projections of saffron (Crocus sativus) leaves emerge from the melted snow. Appearing more like leaves of grass, these appendages are getting the last bit of energy they can before the corm goes dormant. Given this density of leaves, the corms need to be separated and placed in new cages so […]
The grasshead I created a few weeks ago with my HT class needs a shave every couple of days. It shows the rigorous growth of early Spring grass as well as my misplacement of seeds. I was hoping for a solid head of “hair” but instead have crafted a more Neanderthal look combined with male-pattern […]
Picking up some supplies at Ann’s Place, I stroll toward the back to see how the grounds have fared this Winter. It is the time of year, between the melting of the last hoped-for snow and emerging growth, when the bones and architecture of the gardens can be examined and appreciated. It’s easy to spot […]
It’s a Goodreads Giveaway! I am giving away five first edition signed copies of “A Therapist’s Garden.” This Giveaway will end on March 23 and is available in the United States. My book covers 20 years of horticultural experiences with a wide variety of clients showing the healing power of plants. There are many gardening […]
Upon opening the door to the greenhouse, Juana and I discover flowers on the rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) bush that I left in the greenhouse over Winter. I rub the leaves and inhale deeply. Amazing! Spring must be around the corner.
My class on microgreens is the largest of the Winter with 25 clients. They all seem excited about shaking off the Winter chill and getting their hands into the soil. “Though it seems early, we are just a bit more than a month from the equinox,” I start out. “So if you have a south […]
Juana decides to spruce up a vase holding fading flowers with a couple of cuttings from outdoor bushes. The buds on both the forsythia and flowering quince (Chaenomeles) are swelling in concert with the warm weather we have been having.Taking out my Felco pruners, I snip off heavily budded branches for Juana’s use. She asks […]
Strong winds blow off one of the plastic panes covering the cold frame. Luckily nothing shattered so I am able to easily replace it. But upon close inspection, I discover that I am not the only one who is lucky. There is digging in the soil and the tops of all the carrots (Daucus carota […]