Musings on horticultural therapy and the soothing effects of plants and nature
The first daylily (Hemerocallis) has emerged, a true sign of summer. These ephemeral blooms come and go in the blink of an eye but define the season so completely with their lovely and expressive forms. Even though this one will disappear tomorrow, there are plenty to take its place.
With increasing amounts of wood sorrel (Oxalis) and purslane (Porulaca oleracea) emerging in the vegetable garden, I am torn between pulling them out to plant rotational crops or letting them be. They spread rapidly, but are delicious. They can form a thick mat choking out delicate seedlings, but they make great salad toppings. Such is […]
Because we have a shallow well, all of the perennials in our gardens rarely get watered. They are left on their own without a supplemental drink regardless of the heat and lack of rain. It may sound cruel, but I don’t think we have lost a perennial yet to lack of water. Potted plants, annuals […]
Today is the Summer Solstice and everything in the garden is perfect. In pre-historic times, Summer was a joyous time of the year for those indigenous people who lived in the northern latitudes. The snow had disappeared; the ground had thawed out; warm temperatures had returned; flowers were blooming; leaves had returned to the deciduous […]
I have a secret spot in plain view where I like to rest at the end of the day. It is in the front yard hidden by a large honeysuckle (Lonicera) and a native rose bush on a park bench. Cold drink in hand, I marvel as bees and other pollinators swarm around me looking […]
Asparagus (Asparagus officinalis) season is over. Not that we are complaining. About a week ago we started to tire of asparagus this and asparagus that as the near daily vegetable or salad topping that were part of our dinners. After a month plus of harvests, it’s time to let the patch rest and recharge itself […]
This has been an active season for fledging birds. We have two nests currently right next to the house and at least four others in bushes nearby. The first sign of activity in the Spring was a chickadee taking up residence within the tiny birdhouse that is attached to a back alcove wall. Within a […]
Scapes are shooting out from the garlic (Allium sativum) teeth that I planted last Fall. Curled, the scapes remind me of the long neck of a great blue heron or a flamingo. The tall, long leafed onion relative is nearly ready to harvest. But first you want to cut the scapes and not let them […]
It’s that time of year when absolutely decadent and fragrant bouquets can be gathered every day from the garden. This combination of roses and peonies fills the bill nicely.
It’s hosta heaven at our house with everything exploding out over the last few weeks. Drops from a recent rain hang suspended on the huge leaves, shimmering as would tiny jewels. Some have huge leaves reminding me of some impenetrable topical forest. Others are tiny. For now, they are fairly intact and perfect. . . […]