Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
It’s strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) season! And even though Juana is feeling a bit under the weather, nothing stops her from going out to the two strawberry patches daily to pick the ripest of fruits before anyone (or thing) touches them. We pull back the protective netting to spot many perfectly shaped and colored berries. […]
It’s flower Friday again! We can’t keep up with all the new blooms that emerge every week in the garden so here are the top ones. Chives (Allium schoenoprasum): This puffball of a flower is not only lovely but it has a scent with a big kick to it. Rhododendron: I have no idea of […]
Nearly 20 clients from @annsplaceinc attended the two classes on herbs at my house. Because my budget is tight and I was unsure of sources, I grew oregano (Origanum vulgare), thyme (Thymus vulgaris), basil (Ocimum basilicum), and stevia from seeds in April to cover my bases. Rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus) I got from my usual supplier, […]
Great news for the beginning of June. First I am delighted to announce the three winners of my book, A Therapist’s Garden, from last week’s contest. They are: @ninjahikernc @brian_pickard @bluespringscottage Congrats and I will be sending autographed copies out to each later this week. But also A Therapist’s Garden has been announced as the […]
Juana and I admire the emerging pollinator garden at Ann’s Place. I recently planted sunflower (Helianthus) seedlings to complement the other plants that butterflies and other insects love. The perennials include: Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) Lavender (Lavandula intermedia Phenomenal) Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca) Coneflower (Echinacea) Shadbush serviceberry (Amelanchier canadensis) Allium Last year aphids wiped out the […]
Last week I made a run to one of my favorite wholesale facilities, @gilbertiesorganics, to load up on herbs for the gardens and my clients at @annsplaceinc. As always, Sal and his staff were very kind and generous donating some of the herbs needed for our gardens. So like other years, our three herb beds […]
It has just been two months since my book, A Therapist’s Garden, was released and I have been overwhelmed by the kind words and wonderful response of readers. To celebrate, I am giving away (via Instagram) a signed copy of my book (by me, Rosana and Juana) to three lucky winners who reside in the […]
It’s flower Friday again and it’s getting harder to pick the top nine new flowers of the week. But at the top of the list is . . . . Lilac (Syringa vulgaris): Spectacular in bloom and scent, this flower was my mother’s favorite and one of mine. Snuggling up to a bloom, you want […]
A flood at Ann’s Place causes me to move all of my on-site horticultural therapy classes to my home for at least the rest of the summer. But luckily my patio is large enough to accommodate a dozen or so clients at a time so we should be able to make things work. Pounding flowers […]
Wildflower and wild flower Wednesday. It is a perfect day to spot new wildflowers on my bike ride. Here is a partial list of the newest flowers to emerge in my area. Wild geraniums (Geranium maculatum): This roadside flower pops up in hundreds of different forms in mid to late Spring. Wisteria (Wisteria frutescens): This […]