Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
The gardens I manage at Ann’s Place are visited (and weeded) by me once a week. But rather than the incremental changes I see in my garden every day, the weekly differences are more extreme. This week, the biggest change is in the pollinator garden where I have planted lavender, anise hyssop, monarda, sunflowers, and […]
The saying, “stop to smell the roses,” should sometimes be taken literally in the garden. Many of our roses are in bloom now but I think my favorite is a beach rose (Rosa rugosa) that we have had for just a few years. It is the most simple of roses to care for as it […]
Shadblow serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) is one of my favorite native small trees. It is interesting to look at in all seasons. Lovely blooms in the Spring, vibrant Fall foliage and early Summer fruit that is loved by birds. But this year is unusual: the birds have not come to eat the fruit. Typically, I carefully […]
I am skipping a generation or two and have bought my first motored lawn mower, a battery-powered Ego. Prior to this, I have been an anomaly for over 40 years pushing one of many old Scotts manual lawnmowers to trim the grass on my properties. Though this seems like an anachronism, I have enjoyed (mostly) […]
Whenever I find an amphibian, like a frog, toad, or salamander, on the grounds I care for it pleases me. It means that I am being a good steward as the lack of these creatures often means there is something wrong with the environment. Happy hopping little ones! 🐸
My neighbor, Donna, has a rainier cherry tree growing near our property and she generously shares its fruit with us. It always is a battle between the birds and us to see who gets the largest part of the harvest, but this year a large crow has taken up residence, protecting the berries from smaller […]
The purslane is emerging in the vegetable garden and I need to decide how much to keep. To some this is a weed but to me it is a delicious topping for a sandwich or salad. Its crunch and texture is unique and adds an extra element to a meal. Its slightly sour taste and […]
The sugar snap peas are in and they are delicious. We started eating them a week ago and now pull at least half a pint every day. I prefer them raw though Juana likes them to be lightly cooked. Regardless they are delicious. Just planted the second seasonal crop that should start producing by late […]
The strawberries are in and so is Olivia. After some initial hesitancy to sample a strawberry, she digs in with all of the gusto that her sister Charlotte exhibited at her age. She smiles as thin lines of strawberry juice rundown her chin, staining her shirt. We probably lose half the harvest to her but […]
Where do you go after a long, dusty bike trip? The beach, of course! A lovely day after my sister-in-law Rosana’s art show in Cherry Grove.